In my opinion, the challenge of not speaking English had the biggest impact on immigrants coming to the United States in the late 1800s. Language barriers significantly affected the ability of immigrants to integrate into society, access job opportunities, and navigate essential services.
Without proficiency in English, immigrants struggled to communicate with employers, which often limited their employment options to lower-paying and less stable jobs. This often perpetuated cycles of poverty and hardship, as they could not advocate for better working conditions or salary increases. Furthermore, language barriers made it difficult to access education, legal resources, and healthcare, further isolating these communities.
Additionally, not speaking English impacted social interactions and the ability to form relationships with others outside of their ethnic and family circles, which could foster feelings of alienation and loneliness. It also contributed to the perpetuation of stereotypes and prejudice, as nativist groups used language as a marker of "otherness" to justify their discrimination.
While challenges related to religious practices and education were significant, the language barrier was foundational, affecting nearly every aspect of immigrant life and integration into American society during that period. Addressing this challenge was crucial for immigrants to successfully navigate their new environment and contribute to the cultural mosaic of the United States.