Between 1850 and 1920 an estimated 40 million immigrants from Europe arrived in the USA. They all went health screening at Ellis Island, New York and other ports of entry. If they did not test positive for tuberculosis they could stay in America. The absence of restrictive immigration laws encouraged people to come to the golden land of opportunity that was America.The ambition and hard work of these immigrants fueled the astounding economic growth of the USA.
The laws of America allowed unrestricted free enterprise with all of its blessings and curses. There were no housing laws. Two or three families often shared a small apartment. If they had one toilet in the apartment, they were lucky. Otherwise they had to share a toilet down the hallway. However, the immigrants all did find a place to stay.
There were no minimum wage laws. No eight hour day laws. Workers often worked from dawn to dusk for whatever small wages were offered. However, the immigrants did find work and were able to survive and raise their families. Their children became doctors, lawyers, entertainers, businessmen.
There were no English as a second language courses in the schools. But the public schools were open to all and the children soon learned to speak and write English.
There were no license requirements to start a business. People opened small shops or sold their merchandise from wagons. Many became quite successful and expanded their businesses and hired more workers.
It was not only the laws of America that helped the immigrants, but the absence of laws that helped them get started on the road to success in America.
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