How are today’s immigrants different than those of 100 years ago?
The percentage of the U.S. population that is foreign-born now stands at 11.5%; in the early 20th century it was approximately 15%. Similar to accusations about today’s immigrants, those immigrants of 100 years ago initially settled in mono-ethnic neighborhoods, spoke their native languages, and built up businesses that catered to their fellow émigrés. They also experienced the same types of discrimination that today’s immigrant’s face, and integrated within American culture at a similar rate. If we view history objectively, we remember that every new wave of immigrants has been met with suspicion and doubt and yet, ultimately, every past wave of immigrants has been vindicated and saluted.
