Immigration to the United States took place in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Immigrants brought change to the United States with their different customs and cultures . Most people who came to the United States immigrated in hopes of gaining some form of freedom. Whether freedom is literal, financial or religious. Many also thought that they would become rich instantly, which was far from the case. Immigrants had to work very hard for whatever they earned. Immigration to the United States has had mostly positive effects on immigrants and their lives in the United States. This is true of the immigrants whose stories were told in The Life Stories of Undistinguished Americans. This is seen in The Lithuanian, The Pole At the beginning of the Lithuanian's story, he is back in his old country listening to stories about America. America was seen as the land of opportunity and freedom where one could pursue happiness. For this reason alone the Lithuanian liked the idea of ​​going to America. The main goal for him was his freedom. He was rapidly approaching an age that required him to join the Army. Joining the military wasn't a decision, but a choice about it. Coming to America was the answer to their prayers. America was the new beginning he needed after his mother's death. He also kept him alive because the chances of dying or getting sick in the Russian army were very high. Before emigrating to the United States, the Lithuanian boy and his family were farmers. He went to the United States thinking there were opportunities just waiting. Unfortunately other immigrants arrived with the same mentality, so finding work was difficult. It was a difficult adjustment because in the United States a job was a necessity because “here money was everything and a man without money must die” (24). Everything ran on currency, so if you were poor you couldn't eat or afford a place to live. Another culture shock for the young Lithuanian was the contracts. In his home country no one used paper contracts, they simply broke their word and trusted that the person would keep it. Although he had difficulty assimilating at first, Lithuanian learned quickly and was able to thrive