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The Impact Of Immigration On The United States Of America Essay

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On April 18, 1930, a young family of eighteen boarded a ship leaving their homeland of Chiette Abruzzi, Italy. Headed for a nation they had only heard about in the newspapers, each member of the family bore their own excitement and reservation. The history of immigration to the United States of America was seen at unprecedented numbers during the late eighteen hundreds and early twentieth century. Families from Italy, Ireland, Germany, Poland, and numerous other nations flocked to the west by the millions, in hopes of discovering a new life. Many sought freedom from religious persecution, unfair living standards, or a simple chance at the “American dream.” My grandmother, now 91 years old, was born an Italian citizen, but has lived the last 86 years as an American. She is an immigrant in every sense of the word, and this is her story. Chiette, Abruzi is not a well known city in Italy. They are not known for high fashion, incredible architecture, or any significant historical events. The city’s main source of income is derived from the seafood industry, and their closeness to the coast has driven their economy forward in past decades. My grandmother’s parents, Carmella and Carmissio, were active in the shipyards. Carmissio harvested the oceanic crops and Carmella brought the boys at the yard pizzelles (thin, buttery crackers) each afternoon. Life in Chiette had never been easy and moving up in society was a difficult task for even the luckiest of sorts. My great

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