- Economic opportunities: The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw a period of rapid industrialization in the United States. There was a high demand for workers in industries such as mining, manufacturing, and construction. Immigrants were attracted by the prospect of jobs and better wages.
- Political and religious freedom: Many immigrants came to the United States to escape political oppression and religious persecution in their home countries. The United States offered the promise of freedom of speech, assembly, and religion.
- Family reunification: Many immigrants had relatives who had already settled in the United States. They came to reunite with their families and build a better life for themselves and their children.
The following were specific groups within the second wave of immigration:
- Southern and Eastern Europeans: Between 1880 and 1920, over 20 million immigrants came to the United States from Southern and Eastern Europe, including Italians, Poles, Russians, and Jews.
- Mexicans: The Mexican Revolution of 1910-1920 caused many Mexicans to flee to the United States in search of safety and economic opportunities.
- Japanese: Over 100,000 Japanese immigrants came to the United States between 1880 and 1924, primarily to work in agriculture on the West Coast.
- Chinese: The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 greatly restricted Chinese immigration to the United States. However, some Chinese immigrants still came to the country illegally or as students, merchants, or professionals.