Jewish immigrants, unlike many other immigrant groups, often came to escape persecution in their home countries. However, treatment in the U.S. was sometimes as bad. Conditions in poor urban neighborhoods often paralleled the ghettos they were restricted to in Russia. Rising anti-Semitism led many Russian Jews to the U.S., where many still faced anti-Semitism. Universities restricted membership and immigration laws were passed that were aimed at restricting Jewish immigration.
However, Russian Jewish immigrants had some unique advantages. Unlike immigrants from other countries, they tended to be more literate and with more labor skill sets. Additionally, since Jewish families came with the intent to stay and built a new life, they came as families and were able to support each other in their new place. Jewish immigrants were white, which allowed them naturalization. Further advantages afforded to Jewish immigrants were communities of Jews who had immigrated in earlier waves from Germany. Jewish garment workers were able to change the way the industry worked. Their success in industry enabled many to support the education of their children.
Despite the success of many American Jews, they still face anti-Semitism. Many Christian communities continue to teach hateful narratives about the Jewish people and unfair negative stereotypes continue to circulate about Jewish identity and culture. Jews are often wrongly accused of killing Jesus, a narrative that, although false, is promoted by many Christian communities. They are also often falsely associated with international conflicts associated with the state of Israel, even though a diversity of political opinion exists within American Jewish communities.
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