In the late 1800's and early 1900's there were massive waves of immigration to America. These new immigrants were largely Italians, Hungarians, Jews, Serbians, Irish, and Slovaks. Fleeing such hardships as poverty, religious persecution, and political unrest in their homelands, immigrants journeyed to the United States in search of freedom and opportunity. During their voyage from their homelands to Ellis Island, many immigrants suffered. Traveling by steamships, voyages lasted anywhere between seven days to a …showed first 75 words of 653 total…

…showed last 75 words of 653 total…and faced reality. Ellis Island was the gateway for more than half of the immigrants that entered the United States. Turning back was seldom an alternative for these immigrants. Even though immigrants still have the same views on America , many immigrants say, "God's promise had finally been fulfilled." The vast majority of immigrants to the United States came in search of jobs and the chance to create a better life for themselves and their families.