American society during the period of 1880 and 1914 remained a land of liberty, equality, and opportunity for immigrants arriving in the U.S up until the late 1800's. When immigrants first began to arrive the U.S it was looked at as a good change for us because now our country would become more diverse and may actually become more profitable. Immigrants arriving to the country looked at the U.S as being the land of liberty and opportunity which it was but dramatically changed as time progressed.
As more and more immigrants began arriving to the U.S to experience its many freedoms, overpopulation became a huge problem. The more immigrants that came in, the more job opportunities and available land needed to be greatly increased. They were in need of a way to make money to support themselves and a family but many hardships and sacrifices needed to be made. America was no longer seen as the land of freedom and opportunity because as more families came.
The U.S tried to limit the number of immigrants that could enter the country and they could do that with the establishment of Ellis Island. Any unwanted immigrant would be sent back if they were thought to be a threat or country because of illnesses and other potential dangers that would harm a person. As leaving the ship, they would be examined and documented and if they passed they would be allowed through.
Immigrants also didn't see America as the land of liberty because that would mean being treated with dignity and respect but as they saw for themselves, they were endlessly criticized either because they couldn't speak English or just because you were known as an immigrant. As they were getting used to the environment and beginning to settle in, they were forced to live in settlement houses or tenements which consisted of horrible living conditions. Several families would have to live in one room leaving out the option for security and privacy and in certain situation, the wife and kids would work at home making clothes and other necessities for the family while the father would go out and look for work or work at a factory with little pay and terrible working conditions.
Based on the information presented above, it is obvious that immigrants did not experience liberty, equality, or opportunity during their presence in the U.S. As some people see it they faced more trouble and discrimination than if they would have stayed in their country of origin but as time went on, America will have all of its rumors on freedom and liberty fulfilled.
