illegal immigrants
in 1924, the Border Patrol was
established to prevent people
from crossing into the country
without permission. agents
keep watch on the 8,000-mile
(13,000-km) long Us border.
the 1996 immigration act
doubled the number of Border
Patrol agents and denied social
services to illegal immigrants.
People still risk their lives to
enter the country, especially
through mexico (above).
millions of illegal aliens, or
noncitizens, live in the Us today.Preserving heritage
many immigrants choose to settle in
communities made up of people from
their native lands. most american cities
contain ethnic neighborhoods, where
residents continue to speak their
native language as well as
english. these neighborhoods
have ethnic stores, places
of worship, and businesses.
they are also the site of
many traditional festivals.immigration266
hispanic americans
statue of liberty
United states, history ofFind out more
new immigrants
the United states
government limits the
number of new immigrants
allowed each year. in 1990,
immigration laws were revised
to favor relatives of american
citizens, workers with skills
needed in the United states,
and refugees from war zones.
a lottery was established for
permanent resident visas, also
known as green cards. the
largest groups of immigrants
to the Us today are from latin
america and asia.ellis island
most immigrants who came to the United states during the mass
migration of the early 1900s entered the country via new York City, the
most popular destination for steamship companies. ellis island, just off
the southern tip of manhattan, near the statue of liberty, was the chief
immigration station for the Us from 1892 to 1954. more than 12 million
immigrants passed through its doors. today, ellis island is a museum
celebrating the United states’ immigrant heritage.BeComing a Citizen
although the Constitution gives rights
to noncitizens, only citizens are able to
vote in elections and hold Us passports.
an immigrant who wants to become
a citizen of the United states must
successfully pass a test on american
history, answer written questions in
english, and take an oath of allegiance
to the United states.El Salvadorian
girls celebrate
Central American Pride
Day in Chicago.immigration limits
By 1910, most immigrants had come from southern
and eastern europe. their large numbers threatened
some native-born americans. Consequently, Congress
passed the first quota laws limiting the number of
people allowed into the country.An immigrant
family arrives in
New York in 1910.US_266_Immigration_2.indd 266 21/01/16 5:00 pm