Final answer:
The book excerpt describes Jewish immigrants working in their homes as sweatshops, detailing the overcrowded and unsanitary living conditions on the Lower East Side of New York City.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that best describes the problem depicted in the book excerpt is that Jewish immigrants worked in their homes which served as unregulated and unsanitary sweatshops. The passage describes the harsh conditions on the Lower East Side of New York City, where over half a million people were living in a densely packed area, facing overcrowding, poor sanitation, and the necessity to find work and housing in a completely new environment. These immigrants often worked in industries like the garment sector, where they would toil in their own homes or in small, unsanitary workshops known as sweatshops.
The living conditions faced by immigrants during this time were extremely difficult, with insufficient housing leading to families crowding into small tenements. These tenements were often unsanitary and could be breeding grounds for diseases like tuberculosis and pneumonia due to their crowded conditions. Moreover, these areas were susceptible to crime and were unfairly deemed slums. Immigrants took on low-wage labor in the face of economic challenges that the broader benefits of industrialization did not reach.
Jewish communities in the Lower East Side, and immigrants in general, were subjects of prejudice and stereotypes, yet they endeavored to assimilate and incorporate American culture into their lives while preserving their heritage. Organizations like the American Jewish Committee and the Anti-Defamation League were formed in response to anti-Semitism and to provide support for these new communities.