M5A1 (330) 750-100 words

Addresses the following outcome(s):

- Contextualize the history of Jewish immigration to the United States from Eastern Europe (CO#1, CO#2) 

- Examine the reasons for, and the result of, immigration restriction legislation in the 1920s (CO#2). 

- Analyze a famous poem for its broader implications about nineteenth century immigration (CO#4) 

In this module you read about the patterns of European Jewish immigration in the late 19th and early 20th century. We can see several major commonalities among Jewish immigrants, including the push factor of fleeing the persecution of pogroms in Russia, and the pull factor of seeking religious freedom and new opportunities in education and work. Jewish immigrants were more likely to settle in cities, particularly in ethnic enclaves like the Lower East Side in New York City. Jewish immigrants, like many others, also faced discrimination in society and restricted access to the United States after the passage of the 1924 Johnson-Reed Act (otherwise known as the Immigration Act of 1924).

For this assignment, first read the poem “The New Colossus” written by Emma Lazarus in 1883 and ascribed to the base of the Statue of Liberty in New York City. Make sure to also complete the reading in Takaki and the following sources: Immigration Restriction Act of 1924 and Who Was Shut Out? Immigration Quotas, 1925-1927.

Then in a 3-4 page (750-1000 word) essay, consider the following as a jumping-off points for your own analysis:

In what ways does “The New Colossus” accurately or inaccurately depict immigration in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century? 

In particular, make sure to examine the patterns of European Jewish immigration in this era as well as the shift toward immigration restriction legislation in the 1920s. 

Sources should be cited and referenced in either APA or Chicago/Turabian format.

Your essay should include:

An introduction paragraph with a clear thesis statement outlining your overall argument 

Body paragraphs with specific evidence from the primary and secondary sources 

In-text citations and references in APA or Chicago/Turabian style 

A conclusion paragraph that synthesizes the information you present and summarizes your main points 

For help with writing, see the Excelsior College OWL.