Final answer:
To afford passage across the Pacific, many immigrants borrowed money to pay for the lowest fare, facing debt upon arrival. Government policies at immigration checkpoints could further complicate their entry and settlement, and social prejudices often presented additional challenges in the pursuit of the American Dream.
Step-by-step explanation:
The passage across the Pacific Ocean to the United States was a significant financial hurdle for many immigrants seeking new opportunities. To afford their journey, many immigrants borrowed money to pay for the lowest fare, hoping to find work and repay their debts once they arrived.
Though some may have found other ways to fund their passage, such as finding work on ships in exchange for their voyage or paying with goods, borrowing money was a common practice.
Upon arrival, they faced numerous challenges, including low wages and insecure employment, which often confined them to ethnic enclaves and delayed their dreams of financial independence.
Those who did manage to scrape together the passage fare faced strict government policies upon arrival. At places like Ellis Island and Angel Island, various immigration policies influenced their ability to enter the country and settle. At times, immigrants might even have to work for Chinese-owned companies like the Six Companies to pay off debts incurred for their passage, similar to being indentured servants.
Immigrants, especially from Asia, often faced societal challenges, including strong prejudices and legal restrictions on immigration and naturalization, as the influx of immigrants fueled fears of job competition among the local populations.
These legal and social barriers, along with the debt many incurred to travel, made achieving the American Dream particularly difficult for many.