Final answer:
Most new immigrants from southern and Eastern Europe in the late 1800s and early 1900s settled in urban areas, taking low-paying jobs, and lived in ethnic enclaves. They faced discrimination and anti-immigration legislation but formed supportive communities that attempted to assimilate into American culture while preserving their heritage.
Step-by-step explanation:
The experiences of the "new immigrants" who arrived in the United States from southern and Eastern Europe in the late 1800s and early 1900s were marked by challenges and hardships. They typically settled in urban areas and took on low-paying jobs, facing difficulties such as adapting to new languages and customs, and often lived in ethnic enclaves. These communities provided a sense of familiarity and comfort amidst the diversity of their new surroundings, allowing them to retain their cultural practices while adapting to American life.
Although the new immigrants aspired to assimilate and achieve the American Dream, they often faced discrimination and were viewed as 'un-American' by the mainstream society, which hindered their integration into American culture. Instead of assimilating seamlessly, they created tight-knit communities within large cities that reflected their heritage and offered support in their new environment. Unlike previous waves of immigrants from northern and western Europe who often migrated westwards for farming opportunities, these new immigrants largely remained in the urban centers due to financial constraints.
Moreover, these immigrants faced significant prejudice and anti-immigration legislation, further complicating their experiences in the United States. Despite these barriers, these communities strove to incorporate American culture into their traditions and celebrated their new homes while preserving their unique cultural identities.