In the nineteenth century, railroads, steamship lines, state bureaus ofimmigration, and letters from emigrants spread information about theNew World. Since World War II, information about the good life inAmerica has become more plentiful than ever. Television—and importedAmerican programs—reach into even the poorest areas, bringing imagesof American society and American goods that are reinforced by moviesand radio programs.76 Newspapers, movies, and magazines tell of Ameri-can events and life. Aspirations are further fueled by letters, phone calls,and visits from migrants as well as by promises of political elites and theexpansion of educational opportunities.

‘How can a steerage passenger re-member that he is a human being when he must first pick the worms fromhis food . . . and eat in his stu3y, stinking bunk, or in the hot and fetidatmosphere of a compartment where 159 men sleep, or in juxtaposition toa seasick man?’’ 111