Maria A. D’Ulisse-Cupo
They (the immigrants) were strangers—yet—they became each other’s neighbors. Practically everyone’s ancestors came from different lands. From the beginning the United States had been marked by the diversity of the sources of its population. Many of our ancestors were driven from their homes by religious or political persecution. Others were forced to leave in desperation because of economic conditions. Many countries had lost almost all their industries due to internal wars that destroyed everything a person and his family had lived and worked for.
When the immigrants came to the United States, whether they entered through Ellis Island in New York, San Diego or Florida many of these poor immigrants were closely linked to the economic growth of our country. There were those who weren’t so lucky because they had come during the major depressions in our country. Lack of job opportunities quickly brought reduction in numbers to our borders. But many persevered. They were and still are hard-working people. They were builders, inventors, artisans and professionals of all kinds. They supported their families on minimum incomes despite the cold, poor housing and money-hungry landlords. But they survived! ! Many were discriminated against and still are. Some ignored it and some reacted. They are survivors of our socio-economic environment.
The following briefs will compare how little we know about our Hispanic immigrants and what we have to learn from them.