1) Where did the early immigrants (1600s and 1700s) in America emigrate from? Why do you think people from these countries were most welcome?

Question

2) What did the Homestead Act of 1862 do for people emigrating to America?

3) Up until the late 1880s, there weren’t many laws restricting immigration to America (if you’re white). What was an example of an early law intended to restrict immigration?

4) What is asylum?

5) True/False: In the United States, seeking asylum is protected by law.

Answer 1

1. The early immigrants in America during the 1600s and 1700s primarily emigrated from countries such as England, the Netherlands, Germany, and France. Many of these immigrants were attracted to America for various reasons, including the search for religious freedom, economic opportunities, and the promise of land. People from these countries were often welcomed because they shared cultural and linguistic ties with the existing colonial populations, particularly the English colonizers, which made assimilation easier.

2. The Homestead Act of 1862 provided a pathway for individuals and families to acquire land in the United States. Specifically, it allowed any adult citizen (and those who intended to become citizens) to claim 160 acres of public land. In order to gain ownership, the claimant had to improve the land by building a dwelling and cultivating crops. This act aimed to encourage westward expansion and settle new territories, making land accessible to emigrants looking for a fresh start.

3. One example of an early law intended to restrict immigration is the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. This law specifically targeted Chinese laborers, prohibiting their immigration to the United States and marking one of the first significant federal restrictions on immigration based on nationality and race.

4. Asylum is a form of international protection that is granted to individuals who have fled their home country due to persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. It allows these individuals to remain in the host country and seek safety and stability.

5. True. In the United States, seeking asylum is protected by law. U.S. law and international agreements recognize the right of individuals to seek asylum from persecution and allow for legal processes to evaluate and grant asylum claims.