Immigrants and The American Dream

2129 Words5 Pages

The "American dream" is different for every person. To some it means financial success, to others it means freedom of expression, while others dream to practice their religion without fear. The "American dream" is a complex concept providing immigrants with the hope of better life. The U.S. government provides the environment and resources for everyone to pursue their dreams. Each year millions of people around the world apply for the Diversity Visa lottery program provided by the U.S. government, however only a few thousand people are lucky enough to come here. America is the place where people are judged by their achievements instead of having references or connections. Even though the American economy is in recession and the achieving of the American Dream is harder, many immigrants still achieve religious, political, financial, and sports dreams here in the U.S. Throughout the history of this nation there are thousands of upon thousands of immigrants coming to this country and achieving the American dream. The Irish immigrated to the United States in 1840 – 1850s in big numbers driven by hunger and by the oppression of the British. Many of them became successful politicians, police officers and businessmen. One of the brightest examples in the history of Irish immigration success is Henry Ford. His grandfather immigrated in the 1840s escaping the potato famine. Henry Ford himself was born in a poor family in Dearborn, Michigan went on to become the most successful car builder in the country (Hennigan). Between 1880 and 1920 the first wave of Italians mainly from South Italy immigrated in the United States (Hendin 13). Many escaped from the poor countryside in Southern Italy to seek better life in America. Shining ex... ... middle of paper ... ...cal Engineering 122.10 (2000): 82. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Web. 8 Mar. 2013. More About the Film “Joe DiMaggio: The Hero’s Life. Joe DiMaggio. PBS., n.d. Web. 28 Feb. 2013. “The Bulgarians beyond the ocean.” BTV the Reporters. BTV Channel. 19 Feb. 2011. Television. Thomas, John F. Documentation. Cuban Refugees in the United States. N.d. 46-57. International Migration Review. Web. 1 Mar. 2013. Thomas, Oliver "Buzz". "How To Keep The 'United' In United States: Coping With Religious Diversity In The World's First 'New' Nation." Church & State Feb. 2007: 19+. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Web. 1 Mar. 2013. "U.S. Coptic church gets bishop." Christian Century 113.3 (1996): 70. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Web. 1 Mar. 2013. Wills, Chuck, Destination America: The People and Cultures That Created a Nation. New York: DK Publishing, 2005. Print.

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