The “American Dream” is different for each person. For some it means financial success, for others it means freedom of expression, while still others dream of practicing their religion without fear. The “American Dream” is a complex concept that gives immigrants hope for a better life. The U.S. government provides everyone with the environment and resources to pursue their dreams. Every year, millions of people around the world apply for the Diversity Visa lottery program offered by the US government, but only a few thousand people are lucky enough to come here. America is where people are judged by their accomplishments rather than their credentials or relationships. Even though the U.S. economy is in recession and it is harder to achieve the American dream, many immigrants are still realizing religious, political, financial, and athletic dreams here in the United States. Throughout this nation's history, thousands upon thousands of immigrants have come to the United States. this country and achieve the American dream. The Irish immigrated to the United States in large numbers in the 1840s and 1850s, driven by hunger and oppression by the British. Many of them became successful politicians, police officers and businessmen. One of the most striking examples in the history of Irish immigration success is that of Henry Ford. His grandfather immigrated in the 1840s to escape the potato famine. Henry Ford himself was born into a poor family in Dearborn, Michigan, and became the nation's most successful automobile manufacturer (Hennigan). Between 1880 and 1920, the first wave of Italians, primarily from southern Italy, immigrated to the United States (Hendin 13). Many fled the poor countryside of southern Italy to seek a better life in America. Brilliant ex...... middle of paper ......cal Engineering 122.10 (2000): 82. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Internet. March 8, 2013.Learn more about the film “Joe DiMaggio: The Hero’s Life.” Joe DiMaggio. PBS., and Web. February 28, 2013. “Bulgarians beyond the ocean”. BTV journalists. BTV channel. February 19, 2011. Television. Thomas, John F. Documentation. Cuban refugees in the United States. SD 46-57. International Migration Review. Internet. March 1, 2013.Thomas, Oliver "Buzz". “How to Maintain Unity in the United States: Facing Religious Diversity in the World’s First “New” Nation.” Church and State February 2007: 19+. Premier Academic Research. EBSCO. Internet. March 1, 2013. “American Coptic Church Gets Bishop.” » Christian Century 113.3 (1996): 70. Academic Research Premier. EBSCO. Internet. March 1, 2013. Wills, Chuck, Destination America: The People and Cultures that Made a Nation. New York: DK Publishing, 2005. Print.