Final answer:
The Homestead Act of 1862 encouraged immigration by granting land to settlers who cultivated it for five years.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Homestead Act, passed by the US Congress in 1862, effectively shifted immigration patterns by offering 160 acres of land to any adult citizen or intended citizen who would cultivate the land for five years. This act attracted immigrants from around the world, particularly Europeans, who were eager to claim land and pursue a new life in America. As a result, thousands of immigrants settled in the western territories, increasing the population and contributing to the development of new communities and agricultural practices.
Learn more about The Homestead Act and its impact on immigration patterns