As the nineteenth century progressed, Italian immigration to the United States surged. Since much of the vast open territory that had attracted earlier immigrants to farm it was now settled, Italians often stayed close to the Atlantic seaboard after their arrival.
In New York City, where millions of Italians passed through Ellis Island, the Italian contribution included Fiorello La Guardia, arguably New York`s most notable mayor, as well as a large part of Organized Crime. Italian-Americans have waged a constant battle against the stereotype that the latter has imposed on them.