Final answer:
Both European and Chinese immigrants faced challenges in the late 19th century, but Chinese immigrants encountered harsh discrimination and legal restrictions. European immigrants typically integrated more easily. Today's immigrants encounter a different landscape with formal legal structures and societal challenges.
Step-by-step explanation:
The experiences of the European and Chinese immigrants in the late 1800s and early 1900s varied significantly from one another and from the experiences of immigrants to the U.S. today. During the late 19th century, Chinese immigrants faced intense discrimination, particularly in the West Coast. Their acceptance was hindered due to their economic success in some fields and the perception of them as competitors for jobs, which led to the enacting of laws that severely restricted their immigration.
European immigrants in the same period also faced challenges but were generally able to integrate more seamlessly into American society. They formed ethnic communities, maintained their culture, and contributed significantly to the economic development of the country. Their migration was largely driven by the search for better economic opportunities and, in some cases, escape from religious persecution.
In contrast, today's immigrants in the U.S. experience a different social and political climate, with more formal legal processes for entry and rights protection, although challenges still exist including political debates on immigration policy and varying degrees of societal acceptance.