Where can I find a primary source of an immigrant's experience in America?

Daniel W

Go to a Mexican resturant and ask your server some questions.

rosita

maybe i can help.
I'm an immigrant as well but, unlike jay, i have been here since i was 3. My English is near perfection with a few minor accents here and there.
I would say that living here as an immigrant is very hard and unfair for some. Many Americans take for granted simple task that many immigrants would enjoy. I would love to be a pediatrician...i already have my nursing assistants degree right when i got out of high school. But what is it good for? I cant get a job or even get my license to practice. Tell me is this fair. I couldn't tell you the differences between Mexico and the U.S for i can not recall anything since i was so small since i have been there.
Although i do hear that its a beautiful place. You can get almost anything with money. If you don't have money you'll probably struggle all your life to support your family. If you do have money your struggle will be against the kidnappers that would probably go after you.
i don't think asking a server is a good idea i think thats kind of offending but i must say that you'd get a better opinion from someone who's parents are immigrants because there is a huge diffrence in there way of life.
By the way don't you think that if you were to legalize immigrants, at least the ones who deserve it, it would be good for the economy since many immigrants are restricted to open businesses or even go to school. i don't know, just a thought

Sentinal

Library of Congress is a start.

ocularnervosa

Check out the Ellis Island web site

Jay P

Well im an immigrant in America.

You might not count my answer as an eligable one because im 16 but I'll tell you im smart. First off its a whole lot better then Mexico. Why? Theres just so much but a big one is free education, if I was in Mexico i probobly wouldnt be in 10th grade right now. You asked my expirience here, and ill tell you its tough to grow up and having a lot of doors shut in your face. My parents aren't able to get a good paying job because they need a social security number. Growing up here is hard knowing that when i reach the college level its going to be hard because I wont be able to get financial help and if I do i will be very very lucky. Although i meet the requirements to go already too, I just know it'll be tough. Experience here isn't much different to us then it is to you, let's just say we get a bite of what you get. Lot's of deadends to things we want to reach. A simple thing as driving a car is a whole lot complicated as an immigrant. My parents both drive but without a liscence so everytime they put that key in they know they must drive better then the rest so they wont get pulled over. Enough with the bad things though there are many great things here in America. The government gives a lot and I understand all you taxpayers pay for it but it really helps a lot guys and I know its unfair but thats life for you. Thank you for everything.

It's That Guy

A primary source would be to talk to an actual immigrant or read a book written by an immigrant. There are a lot of both available. The idea of talking to a server in a Mexican Restaurant is actually not a bad idea! But wherever you are, there are probably a lot of immigrants in your community. You might ask one for an hour of his time, then interview him (or her). That would be a primary source. If you're in school, a school librarian could point you to primary sources in the library, I'm sure there are many.

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