Before the 1880's, the United States had no immigration rules. That is not to say that discriminatory practices were outlawed, rather that anyone could enter the country and then face the consequences of their decision. For example, an immigrant could choose to seek the company of other speakers of her native language, such as the large German-speaking communities of the Midwest and Western states, or she could immerse herself in an English-speaking neighborhood and attempt to "naturalize" as quickly as possible. This often meant employment in the lowest forms of the service industry, or in menial labor. Large families including several adults often fared better than individuals, for the simple facts of common emotional and financial support.
