Immigration

Più cara sorella, February 1st,1898 ( Dearest Sister ) I have finally arrived in America from Italy. Though I have only been away from you a couple of weeks, I miss you very much. I miss you, my beloved sister. The boat ride was very long and very tiring. When we reached New York City harbor, the view was beautiful. I got to see the one and only Lady Liberty, she’s just as stunning seeing her in person then out of a picture. Ellis Island wasn’t as bad as what our cousins had said it was. The people were very generous, very nice Americans. I got checked for diseases and illnesses. There was a family who came on the same boat as I did, they were sent back home, they were “disqualified” to live in America, I felt really bad. I am glad I am finally able to rejoin our family. I know mother and father are very happy to see me. But now all we need is you, my sister, for you to come join our family in the land of opportunity. Just make sure when and if you do decide to join us here in America, to ride a boat with less people. There really is not much here yet. But mother and father told me that there would be some big buildings built. I have gotten a job as a steel worker. It isn’t the best job in the world, neither is the pay, but right now it’s good enough for me. Italy and America are so differe nt, there is no close comparison. I love living in New York City, we have the right to do almost anything, were not controlled with such a harsh government. We have the freedom to work and go on walks and be happy. The food took awhile for me to get used to, but once you do, it is so good. Since I have been working in a steel mill, I have saved up money to buy new clothes, and they are very nice. I have also purchased little things too. I would like to save up for a house of my own, but that may take awhile. The only thing that is upsetting to us is in some ways we are treated different. Some people who were born in America think that we shouldn’t have came to their land that we should have stayed where //we// came from. We also have to pay higher rent, don’t ask me why, but our “landlord” suggest we do, he says,”paying rent is what immigrants are supposed to do; you won’t get of scot free just because you’re an immigrant”. People also mistreat me at work, they always complain, saying we are taking good workers jobs. I also don’t get paid very much either, and that means its’ going to take me longer to save up for a house. The one thing I do miss is our food, they don’t have the dishes that are back home, not enough flavor. But again once you get used to it, it isn’t that bad. I hope you do come and join us in America. We all love America. Other then what I had said about the Americans not liking us, I hope that won’t be a setback. America is a good place to live; we have the opportunity to do what we want to do. Mother and father would love to have you here. We’ll find you a nice job. You can stay with us for awhile. Everything will be like it was before. Well the time has come for me to say farewell. I hope you will chose to come to America. Yours Truly, Liz