An immigrant is commonly defined as a person who leaves one country to settle permanently in another(The American..). Over the years Americans have looked with suspicion on the arrival of immigrants. Many permenant citizens feel that they take from the country rather than offer them new ideas and culture. For centuries, people have come to America as they choose(A nation of ...). Today the number of immigrants are causing many problems in America(Branigin). "The number of illegal immigrants residing permanently in the United States has grown to about five million and is rising by 250,000 a year"(Branigin). About 800,000 immigrants enter legally each year and about 200,000 to 300,000 enter illegally and stay here(Branigin). Unlike when immigration first occurred in America the increase of immigrants have had both positive and negative effects on our society.
             An immigrants voyage to America was a experience in itself. The long and dreaded voyage left some dead, dying or diseased. "The fear of rejection was intense, as frequently, whole families were held for days, even weeks, while one member was placed under observation in the island's immense infirmary"(Bodner). If accepted these newly arrived immigrants had to adapt to their new country. Expecting a new life filled with freedom and new opportunities, the life of hardship, discrimination, and poverty that often awaited them was not yet a reality.
             From 1892 to 1924, millions of immigrants passed through Ellis Island on their way to a new life in America. " Virtually every nation that contributed sizable ethnic groups to the United States is represented, including Russia, Germany, Italy France, Belgium, Great Britain, Poland, Romania, Spain, Syria, Turkey, Greece, Palestine, Egypt, and Japan"(Bodner).
             "Between 1892 and 1954, 17 million came to America, ancestors of some 100 million of today's Americans"(A nation of..). "Customs men poked
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