Final answer:
Immigrants primarily entered the United States via sea, through Ellis Island and Angel Island, or by land through the Americas. Legislation such as the Johnson-Reed Act of 1924 shaped the composition of immigrants allowed into the United States, yet the country remains a coveted destination for many seeking new opportunities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main ways that immigrants entered the United States were by sea and by land. Two significant entry points for immigrants by sea were Angel Island in California, predominantly for Asian immigrants, and Ellis Island in New York, mainly for European immigrants.
The peak of European immigration occurred between 1900 and 1910, during which Ellis Island played a crucial role in processing the new arrivals. With the immigration station opening in 1892, nearly half of all Americans today have ancestries tracing back to those who entered through Ellis Island. By contrast, land entry points were prominent for immigrants coming from the Americas, such as through the U.S.-Mexico border.
Immigration patterns in the U.S. have historically included various waves, originating from different continents such as Europe, Latin America, and Asia, each group experiencing its social struggles and achievements.
Legislation like the Johnson-Reed Act of 1924 significantly impacted these patterns by imposing quotas that favored certain nationalities over others. In modern times, the U.S. continues to be a destination for myriad immigrants seeking the American dream, with supportive mechanisms such as the DREAM Act and DACA.