Różne drogi do Ameryki. Próba nowego spojrzenia na emigrację żydowską z Polski do USA w latach dwudziestych XX w.

Abstract

In the article the genesis of illegal Jewish emigration from the Second Polish Republic to the USA in 1918–29 is examined in terms of the so-called pushing-and-attracting-migratory-movement factors. The bad economic situation of the Jewish population in Poland and the antisemitism – constantly rising in the country due to political events – meant that for many Jews an overseas trip became the only chance for improvement of the life. Yet, trips planed by Polish Jews were curbed by emigration requirements securing the interest of the reborn Polish state. The attempts to circumvent these restrictions contributed to the first cases of illegal entering the United States through Cuba, Mexico or Canada. After the introduction of statutory emigration restrictions in the United States in 1921 and 1924, Polish Jews travelled more frequently to the countries adjacent to the US, which still remained their final destination. The descriptions of the fate of Polish Jews on emigration that were included in this article are among the most dramatic episodes in the history of overseas emigration from Poland in the interwar period.