Old Immigrants vs. New Immigrants — What's the Difference?

The distinction between Old Immigrants and New Immigrants in American history is primarily based on the time of arrival and origin. Old Immigrants, arriving before the 1880s, primarily came from Northern and Western Europe, including countries like Germany, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. They were often Protestant, spoke English, or shared cultural characteristics with the existing American population, which facilitated their assimilation into American society.

New Immigrants, arriving from the 1880s to the early 20th century, originated from Southern and Eastern Europe, including Italy, Russia, and the Balkans, as well as Asia and other regions. These groups often practiced different religions, such as Catholicism, Judaism, or Eastern Orthodoxy, and brought diverse languages and customs. Their distinct cultural backgrounds posed challenges to assimilation, leading to increased xenophobia and nativism among the American populace.

The economic contributions of both groups were significant, with Old Immigrants often moving into farming in the Midwest or engaging in trade and skilled labor in urban areas. New Immigrants, meanwhile, were pivotal in the rapid industrialization of the United States, taking up low-wage labor in factories, mines, and railroads, often under harsh conditions.

Social integration patterns differed markedly between the two groups. Old Immigrants, with their closer cultural ties to the Anglo-Saxon majority, faced fewer barriers to social mobility and were more readily accepted. New Immigrants encountered ethnic and religious prejudice, leading to the formation of tight-knit ethnic communities and neighborhoods that preserved their languages and traditions.

Legislation also reflected these differences. The U.S. government implemented more restrictive immigration laws in the early 20th century, aimed primarily at limiting the influx of New Immigrants. These included literacy tests and quotas based on national origin, which were not a concern for Old Immigrants who had already established their presence in American society.