LITERACY TEST, c1917. Literacy test consisting of a verse from the Book of Job, printed in Turkish with Armenian script (top) and in English, presented to Armenian immigrants from Turkey at Ellis Island, c1917, when changes in immigration laws made proof of literacy a requirement for entering the United States
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LITERACY TEST, c1917. Literacy test consisting of a verse from the Book of Job, printed in Turkish with Armenian script (top) and in English, presented to Armenian immigrants from Turkey at Ellis Island, c1917, when changes in immigration laws made proof of literacy a requirement for entering the United States
LITERACY TEST, c1917.
Literacy test consisting of a verse from the Book of Job, printed in Turkish with Armenian script (top) and in English, presented to Armenian immigrants from Turkey at Ellis Island, c1917, when changes in immigration laws made proof of literacy a requirement for entering the United States
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Media ID 6182811
1917 Action Anti Immigrant Aodreq Armenian Discrimination Document Education Ellis Island Encbr Immigrant Immigration Station Literacy Old Testament Religion Script Test Turkish
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a significant moment in American history - the implementation of literacy tests for immigrants entering the United States in 1917. The image showcases a document, known as the "LITERACY TEST" which was presented to Armenian immigrants from Turkey at Ellis Island during this time. The test consists of a verse from the Book of Job, printed both in Turkish with Armenian script and in English. This particular verse served as a means to assess an immigrant's literacy skills and their familiarity with religious texts. It symbolizes not only the discriminatory nature of these immigration laws but also highlights how religion played a role in shaping them. As changes were made to immigration laws, proof of literacy became a requirement for entry into America. This policy aimed to limit certain groups' access to opportunities and reinforce prejudices against immigrants, particularly those who were non-English speakers or came from countries deemed undesirable by policymakers. Ellis Island, depicted here as an immigration station bustling with activity, was where countless individuals embarked on their journey towards building new lives in North America. However, this photograph serves as a reminder that even amidst hope and opportunity, discrimination persisted. Today, this image stands as an important historical artifact representing early anti-immigrant sentiments and acts as a testament to the struggles faced by those seeking refuge and better futures within American borders.
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