[AAACE-NLA] New American Party- anti immigration in the 1850s

[Bickerton, Robert P]

Dear Colleagues:

I find it very interesting that even though the percent of immigrants (at least in many states along the Eastern U.S.) was greater in the late 1800's than it is today, many states were more welcoming then than they are today.  True, there was a great deal of discrimination against Irish and Italian immigrants at the end of the 19th century -- I have grandparents that came through Ellis Island from both countries during that period and their stories would raise the hair on the back of my neck.  However, states like NY and MA were doing a great deal to assist these newcomers in making a successful transition to a new society and economy.  For example, during this period of massive immigration during the late 1800's and early 1900's, Massachusetts had a law on the books that went something like:  "Upon petition of any 20 immigrants, the local school committee SHALL provide a class for the purpose of learning English and preparing for citizenship..."  The law went on to specify a minimum number of weeks for these classes and that books would be provided free of charge.  [BTW -- "shall" is the imperative used in legislation, indicating here that the school committee had no choice but to make such classes available should it receive such petition(s).]

Would that we had such laws on the books today!
bob bickerton, massachusetts

-----Original Message-----
From: aaace-nla-bounces at lists.literacytent.org
[mailto:aaace-nla-bounces at lists.literacytent.org]On Behalf Of Paul
Rogers
Sent: Tuesday, October 02, 2007 12:06 PM
To: aaace-nla at lists.literacytent.org
Subject: [AAACE-NLA] New American Party- anti immigration in the 1850s


Concerning the debate on "illegal immigration" -
1. A noted conservative radio talk show host came up
with a great solution not too long ago. He said that
all that is necessary is to make it easier to enter
the US by decreasing the fees and waiting period.There
would thereofore be extremely little "illegal"
immigration.
2. Most of the arguments that are made against
"illegals" have all been made before against the
Irish, approximately 150 years ago by the New American
Party depicted in the movie, Gangs of New York. I have
attached an article about this "movement" for those
interested in history.
Paul Rogers
Note: forwarded message attached.



       
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