Immigration and Cultural Diversity Flashcards

Grade 4 · Social Studies · Flashcards

Key vocabulary about immigration history and cultural diversity in America.

Flashcards

Immigrant: Person who permanently moves from one country to another
Ellis Island: New York Harbor immigration station; gateway for 12+ million European immigrants
Angel Island: San Francisco Bay immigration station; processed mainly Asian immigrants (1910-1940)
Cultural diversity: Variety of different cultures, languages, and traditions within a community
Discrimination: Unfair, unequal treatment based on race, religion, nationality, or other characteristics
Ethnic enclave: A neighborhood where many people from the same cultural background live together
Chinese Exclusion Act: 1882 law that banned Chinese laborers from immigrating to the U.S.
Push factor: A reason that makes someone want to LEAVE their home country (war, poverty, etc.)
Pull factor: A reason that attracts someone TO a new country (jobs, freedom, family)
Naturalization: The legal process by which an immigrant becomes a citizen
Melting pot: Idea that immigrants blend together into a shared American identity
Cultural mosaic: Idea that different cultures each keep their unique identity while being part of a larger society
Refugee: A person forced to flee their country due to war, persecution, or disaster