New American Immigrants

Throughout American history, immigrants from all over the world have traveled to this country in search of a better way of life. The immigrants brought with them a vast range, as well as varied levels of commitment to their native cultures and ideologies. The speed at which the immigrants, both assimilated into, as well as helped create the new culture in which they found themselves, were as diverse as the immigrants themselves. Two respected scholars put forth differing theories to explain the experience of the integration of immigrants into their new American societies. Oscar Handlin suggests that immigrants were uprooted from their old world and ways; the immigrants were victimized by their migration as the things they valued most, such …show more content…
First, Bodnar clarifies that “immigrants brought a sizable body of skills and knowledge which were absolutely indispensable to the growth of some industries.” Their prior skill sets in those industries, often helped them qualify for jobs they needed to support themselves and their families in America. Additionally, Bodnar states that “the cost of training the rather large immigrant labor force was generally borne outside of the United States” which made many immigrants attractive to profit-driven employers. Also, since so many immigrants emigrated as adults, they already had basic life experiences and survival skills from their old world, that prepared them well for migrating to their new world. Further, Dublin explains that “Germans and Scandinavians...came with greater resources,” and so were prepared for their migration to their new country as a result of their work successes in their old country. Finally, the relationships previously forged in the immigrants’ old countries helped prepare the second wave of immigrants for their migrations. The first wave of immigrants helped pave the way for their families or friends who followed, since as Dublin states, “the wages of the first to arrive found their way back to families at home through …show more content…
The Rudman clan, as they still call themselves, first settled in or near Boston, Massachusetts. My Jewish ancestors were very much transplanted in America, rather than uprooted. The hostile environments from which they fled, had powerful majority populations intent on destroying Jewish culture. My people believe that had our ancestors remained in Lithuania, they would either have been killed, or indeed forced to abandon their traditions. By remaining, they would be victimized. By immigrating, my ancestors were given the opportunity to make their own choices about how to best to live their lives. For example, upon arriving in America, the Rudman’s clung to many of their traditional beliefs. Many kept kosher, married other Jews (often within their own family, as they had in Lithuania… my great grandparents born in America, were second cousins), and observed the Sabbath. Further, a few of the Rudman’s in Lithuania were men who devoted their lives to Talmudic studies. When these scholars were subsequently brought to America by Rudman family members who had previously emigrated, these men were allowed to continue their Talmudic studies, fully financially and emotionally supported by the rest of the Rudman clan. Other Rudman's were instrumental in building synagogues in America.