Immigration Experience

Italy/Immigration Experience

Carmelita Olivier

HIS/120

March 30, 2015

Mr. Seever

Italy/Immigration Experience

              Hello, my name is Carmelita Olivier; I was born and raised in Sicily, Italy. I would like to share my experiences as an immigrant coming to America.  I will be sharing many different factors such as; economic, social, and political. In addition to my personal encounters with racist attitudes of some Americans, working pay, hours, and conditions. Most of all, I would also like to explain why I chose to settle in New York City, along with my journey across the ocean, and available food, sleeping accommodations, and housing for my family.

A couple of the reasons I left Italy was for economic and social reasons, I viewed this factors as roadblocks to my aspirations. I felt if I left and made a move to the United States there would be a greater possibility for economic progress or accomplishing a particular point about religious, political, and social security and freedom. The most promising thing about coming to America is receiving the freedom to worship in my Catholic religious beliefs.

In my country, many families with kids face significant social hazards. The poverty dangers over in Italy are over 25%, nevertheless; adults with children experience higher rates; the single parents are the most defenseless. Over in the south region of Italy, the unemployment rate is predominantly high and the danger of poverty is around 65%. A constant obstacle in Italy is child poverty, and the welfare system is inadequate.  In addition, the national expenditures for the year 2000 were three percent which went toward protection socially for the families and children.  Due to the unacceptable welfare system the townships and local authorities have been supervising the operation since 1970. The outcome of the situation is with uncertainty about who is having the responsibility for the support of rights for the children (Social Problems, Tulane).

        My journey to America by the ocean was hard, and the accommodations were not so comfortable. Saying goodbye to other family members are hard and it is very emotional. Besides all the most difficult thing was the cost, it took me a few years to save the money to travel. In addition, I had to be careful of how much clothing that I brought because space was limited, the room barely was enough room for necessary necessities. The items’ I was available to carry was a little clothing, my Bible, and tools if I had a trade. Before I was able to aboard on the ship I had to go through an eye and physical exams to ensure I did not have a health threat disease. Sometimes this took days to complete before leaving.

Privacy and space were difficult to get. The condition to live on board was primitive.  I slept in very tight space; the beds were packed beneath the deck.  As for the food, you did not have much to select. The food had to be distributed in advance at least twice a week. One of the captain responsibilities was to make sure we had water at least three quarts. Many of the terrible situations I encountered were the use of my suitcase as a table, especially in wavy rough waters and, I had more tea than water because the taste of the water was nasty, this was an experience that will never be forgotten.