From 1865 to 1914 America was rapidly changing and evolving. Advances in technology and education made America a powerful nation. However, there was still a lot of controversy regarding the equality of people. Although, the Civil War had just ended tension between African Americans and the Anglos did not just fade away. In fact, it seemed to have gotten worse. For example, African Americans were given the right to vote. In response literacy tests were set up to prevent African Americans from voting. However, there was another problem in America and that was who is an American? Should all people be allowed to immigrate in America or only the selected few?
In her poem “The New Colossus’” Emma Lazarus claims, that America was a land that welcomed immigrants. In an opposing perspective Thomas Bailey Aldrich stresses his views against immigration. So which author had the right answer about immigration in America? “In response to growing anti-sentiments, Congress in 1882 passed the Chinese Exclusion Act” (17).The law prevented anyone from China to enter America. It would seem that America was not promoting itself as a land for immigrants in fact it seemed that it was against immigrants. At this time America seemed to be a land for certain individuals excluding immigrants, African Americans, and the Indians. In a letter to the New York Sun Saum Song Bo says, “The statue represents Liberty holding a torch which lights the passage of those of all nations who come into this country” (17). Bo then asks, “But are the Chinese allowed to come?” (17) America was a land built on immigration. After Columbus' discovery people were immigrating a land that had already been settled in by the American Indians. So why should others not be allowed to do the same?
The controversey surrounding immingration has not gone away most recently; Arizona passed an immigration causing much controversy around the nation. Becoming an American citizen is not an easy process. It is important that we see the value of our citizenship and not take it for granted
In her poem “The New Colossus’” Emma Lazarus claims, that America was a land that welcomed immigrants. In an opposing perspective Thomas Bailey Aldrich stresses his views against immigration. So which author had the right answer about immigration in America? “In response to growing anti-sentiments, Congress in 1882 passed the Chinese Exclusion Act” (17).The law prevented anyone from China to enter America. It would seem that America was not promoting itself as a land for immigrants in fact it seemed that it was against immigrants. At this time America seemed to be a land for certain individuals excluding immigrants, African Americans, and the Indians. In a letter to the New York Sun Saum Song Bo says, “The statue represents Liberty holding a torch which lights the passage of those of all nations who come into this country” (17). Bo then asks, “But are the Chinese allowed to come?” (17) America was a land built on immigration. After Columbus' discovery people were immigrating a land that had already been settled in by the American Indians. So why should others not be allowed to do the same?
The controversey surrounding immingration has not gone away most recently; Arizona passed an immigration causing much controversy around the nation. Becoming an American citizen is not an easy process. It is important that we see the value of our citizenship and not take it for granted
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