Immigration Shifts

This passage explains how immigration policies in the U.S. changed over time, especially with the opening of Ellis Island in 1892. Before that, the country had few rules about who could enter, and immigrants arrived freely seeking jobs and a better life. As numbers grew, concerns about too many newcomers led to stricter policies, like the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. Ellis Island became necessary to organize and inspect the large waves of arrivals, ensuring they were healthy and allowed to stay. These changes shaped the U.S. for years, influencing both the opportunities and challenges faced by immigrants.

Reading passages like this help students strengthen comprehension by following historical events in sequence. They build vocabulary by learning terms like “immigration,” “exclusion,” and “inspection.” Students also develop critical thinking by considering why policies changed and how they affected people. Exposure to informational text improves their ability to analyze main ideas and supporting details. Overall, passages like this improve grammar, reading fluency, and the ability to connect ideas across history and society.