Irish Immigration to the United States and Their Subsequent Discrimination

Although Ireland life was brutal, immigrating to the United States was not a pleasant experience. Referred to as the American Wake, those who chose to immigrate knew they would never see Ireland or their families again, and with poor communication over large distances, it was probable that the "wake" was the last time they would even hear of each other again. The only future left in Ireland was ever increasing poverty, disease, death, and oppression. (Marshall, n.d.) America became their dream, their second chance for a brighter future.

Irish immigrants arrived in masses on overcrowded ships, branded Coffin Ships because the conditions were so deplorable; these ships were, for the most part, not even sea worthy. (The History Place, n.d.) Even as the immigrants docked in American ports they learned life would continue to be a fight of endurance, a fight for survival. Many unfortunate immigrants found themselves snatched by dock loafers who preyed on the ignorance of immigrants; these dock loafers who would compel the Irish immigrants: men, women, and children, into favored tenant houses, charging the immigrants outrageous fees for this "service." Many immigrants remained too impoverished to escape or move on. (Stolarik, 1988)

Free land did not appeal to the early Irish immigrants looking to escape the Potato Famine: they rejected the land, because the land had rejected them; yet they always spoke reverently of their Irish homeland. Most of the larger cities had an "Irish" or "Shanty Town" where the Irish would gather to commiserate their struggles, encourage each other, and celebrate together.

The Irish were strangers in a strange land: rejected and unwanted. Ads for employment most often included the stipulation that "No Irish Need Apply." They were forced to live in shacks or huts partly due to their poverty but also because of redlining; they were considered to be "bad" for the neighborhood. Further emphasizing their segregation, their living conditions propagated sickness and disease, ushering an early death because health care was unavailable to them. Their dress, illiteracy, and brogue provoked ridicule in the new land, and their unfamiliarity with plumbing and running water brought about scorn and contributed the sicknesses and diseases that killed the majority of newborns.

They were also persecuted for their religious beliefs; they were not only discriminated against because they were Irish, but also because they were Catholics. The general sentiment was to put them on a boat and send them back to Ireland. Yet, they did not apologize; instead, they united. Intimidation and insult were frequently met with violence. The Irish participated in leveraging discrimination; Irish immigrants feared the emancipation would free slaves who would then move north and take their jobs.

Their strength rested in their solidarity; they assisted each other with surviving by praying and drinking together; (the men reportedly did more drinking than praying), yet their faith held strong, and their determination to become accepted led to their assimilation. The Church was a vital part of their lives; it was a radical, aggressive, and combative church that fought for their spiritual lives and their human rights. Many Catholic churches were burned in Philadelphia due to religious riots. (Stolarik, 1988)

The Irish immigrated to America at a time of great necessity. The country was progressing, and men were needed to do the back breaking work essential to the growth of the country by building railroads, canals, and bridges. This hard and treacherous work was accepted by the Irish out of desperation. The women found work as chamber maid and cooks; at that time, Americans thought this type of work to be demeaning and only fit for servants, but the Irish were cheerful, hard working, honest, and strictly moral. (Stolarik, 1988)

The Irish were unique immigrants, never foregoing their allegiance to Ireland, nor forgetting their hatred of the English. They loved the United States and happily fought in the wars. The Civil War saw them as fierce warriors, evidenced by the infamous Irish Brigade. A tale passed down through the generations tells of a priest who would accompany the Irish Brigade to battle, and before each battle they would pray, regardless of the odds. They were a people guided by faith.

The dodgy days of "No Irish Need Apply" have since disappeared, but they are not forgotten. Celebration of the Irish heritage on St. Patrick's Day has replaced the fierce confrontations of the past. The Irish not only won acceptance, but they swayed everyone else to become Irish... for at least one day a year. Throughout the years of poverty and poor living conditions, the Irish clung to their faith and each other. They gained power and acceptance, including a number of Presidents who proudly proclaimed their Irish heritage.

References

Marshall, R. (n.d.). The American Wake.

Stolarik, M. M. (1988). Forgotten doors: The other ports of entry to the United States.

The History Place. (n.d.). Irish Potato Famine: Coffin ships.