The concept of immigrant labor is intricately connected to Ellis Island and Angel Island, the Transcontinental Railroad, and the unfair working conditions that many immigrants faced. Ellis Island served as a primary entry point for millions of immigrants arriving in the United States, while Angel Island primarily processed those from Asia, highlighting the diverse origins of the workforce that contributed to the nation's growth. Many of these immigrants were drawn by the promise of work, particularly in the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad, which relied heavily on immigrant labor, especially Chinese and Irish workers.
However, this labor often came with significant challenges; workers faced harsh conditions, long hours, and inadequate pay, reflecting a broader pattern of exploitation linked to their marginalized status. This exploitation demonstrates a clear cause-and-effect relationship: the influx of immigrants seeking better opportunities led to their mass recruitment into labor-intensive industries, which often resulted in unfair working conditions that favored corporate profits over worker rights. Overall, these elements are part of the same historical process of industrialization and immigration in the United States, sharing common themes of resilience, exploitation, and the quest for a better life amid adversity.