Four Waves of Immigration (in the US)

The four waves of immigration to the U.S. describe major periods when different groups of people migrated, shaped by economic, political, and social factors. The first wave (1600s–1700s) involved Europeans settling for farming and trade. The second wave (1800s) included many Irish and German refugees fleeing poverty and persecution. The third wave (late 1800s–early 1900s) brought Southern and Eastern Europeans seeking industrial jobs. The fourth wave (1965 onward) involved increased immigration from Latin America and Asia due to relaxed laws and global changes. Each wave reflects how U.S. policies and global events influenced who moved here and why.