Immigration History Philadelphia, PA

Workshop Of The World

The early nineteenth century opened the door to one of the most compelling elements in transforming Philadelphia's communities. This was known as the resurgence of immigration. Immigrants came to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with a rigorous ambition to bring change, hope, and new fields of work into their lives. They attempted to flee foreign corruption and lack of work.

Between 1870 and the 1920s, the Philadelphia region experienced a rapid increase in immigration as the city's population nearly doubled. The population grew rapidly and became more diverse.

Immigrants were driven and excited to move to the area, which had been dubbed the "Workshop of the World." This opened the door to new opportunities. This undeniably changed the history of Philadelphia.

Philadelphians Immigrants

By the 1870s, the city's already-diverse population began expanding and changing in response to the heightened number of immigrants. Waves of individuals from eastern and southern Europe, China, the Caribbean, and Latin America joined earlier settlers. These earlier settlers included the English, Swedes, Germans, and Dutch.

Philadelphia had one of the largest African American populations of any northern municipality. Additionally, it had a largely expanding amount of first and second-generation Irish. With the growth and development of diversity in Philadelphia, specific ethnic groups began dominating neighborhoods that had once been mixed.

By the turn of the twentieth century, Philadelphia was the third-largest city in the United States. This was because the number of immigrants exceeded many other cities in the nation. As the number of foreign-born residents in Philadelphia progressively increased.

The city saw one of the highest percentages of the workforce involved in industrial work compared to any other American city. "The World's Greatest Workshop" was a significant contributor to this.

Industrialization After The Civil War

In the decades following the Civil War, a whirlwind of industrialization gave rise to large-scale industries in the region. In addition, immigration also played a significant role in the development of these industries. The waterfront was a vibrant place where the American and Red Star Line docked.

This area played a vital role in the expansion and innovation of the city's workforce as it was home to:

Warehouses
Factories
Sugar Refineries
Freight Depots
Grain Elevators

All interconnected to the Philadelphia Railroad. The railroad effectively controlled the immigrant traffic and constructed a two-story facility for receiving immigrants.

As immigration numbers grew, it outgrew the capacity of the Washington Avenue building. This resulted in a $10,000 extension that ultimately modernized the immigration procedures. The station naturally became one of Philadelphia's most lively and notable places.

At a federal level, immigration laws sanctioned a remarkable surge of newcomers. At a city level, local government embraced the opportunity to inaugurate new policies and altered services.

This made the city more obtainable to foreigners. Additionally, non-profit organizations also contributed to this effort. They did so while creating a friendlier, more comfortable approach to immigration.

Economic And Social Changes

This growth allowed for the diversification of industries such as:

Textiles
Locomotive Manufacturing
Shipbuilding
Iron and Steel Production
Sugar Refining
Storing and Refining Petroleum

Millions of jobs were created. Already established fields of work saw an upheaval in diverse tactics, allowing for booming businesses despite any cultural differences.

The combined generations of immigrants facilitated the opportunity to revamp the city of Philadelphia both demographically and economically. Immigrants represented about 15% of the city's population. They were not only the driving force behind Philadelphia's economic demographics but its social landscape as well.

With extensive variations of diversity flooding the city all within the same time frame, current and incoming residents faced many challenges. While people found their spot within society.

The willingness to adapt and welcome immigrants into an ever-changing United States city insinuates a give-and-take mentality. From native Philadelphia residents and the immigrants themselves. The city's maturation allowed for any immigration challenges to reveal a learning process. This learning process could later flourish into a more developed society that seeks positive reformation.

Philadelphia gained a reputation for having determined entrepreneurs who sought to fuel the idea of living the American dream. This was because of their willingness to transform with incoming immigrants.

Being an industrial city needing skilled hard workers. The inflow of foreigners seeking careers helped take the city from one stepping stone to the next. People traveled thousands of miles worldwide without guaranteeing a successful future.

Their drive and eagerness persuaded them to experience the American dream. The vast majority of immigrants take on the high risks of relocating their families. They do this in pursuit of a better life with more opportunities.

A "Welcoming City"

Immigration laws across America have been a prevalent topic of discussion for centuries. The oppression and legal matters many migrants face have challenged the morality of our nation. This issue is often overlooked because of the lasting effects it has on immigrant families.

Considered a "Welcoming City," Philadelphia continues to illustrate its commitment to bringing positive change. It does so by inspiring dialogue and modeling relationships between immigrants, refugees, and U.S.-born citizens. Philadelphia has opened its arms to immigrant families by coordinating events and different programs around the city. This helps to build common ground amongst the city's communities.

Healthy integration is necessary to overcome barriers and build positive resilience among Philadelphia's communities. Where we celebrate one's diversity rather than adding to the great difficulties, immigration already poses. The city has reached a highlighted point in time.

We now see government leaders, local immigration advocates, legal service providers, and leaders within the community celebrate. They bring attention to immigrant-inclusive agencies and organizations.

Increased Immigration Resources

There are several resources the city provides that are available to all immigrants, regardless of citizenship or immigration status.

Protection From Discrimination
Public Safety
Language Access
Education
Childcare
Health Care
Access To Trusted, Licensed Attorneys

These resources are available and easily accessible to anyone who needs assistance. The city of Philadelphia celebrates immigrants for not only being the building blocks of our country. It sheds light on the city's strengths, being a direct result of commemorating the spirited diversity immigrants bring to society.

The city continues to clear the way to prioritize the prospering inclusion of immigrants in civic, economic, and cultural life. Philadelphia seeks to ensure the community's basic understanding of how vital of a role immigrants play. It continues to provide for the city's overall success and well-being.

Looking For An Immigration Attorney In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania?

We hope you enjoyed reading about the Immigration History of Philadelphia. The Law Offices of Dizengoff and Yost attorneys can assist you by contacting our law office at 267-223-5862.