Riis’ chapter “The Italian in New York” focuses on the influx of Italian immigrants at the turn of the 20^th century.  Riis discuses the shift in prevalence and favor from the Irish and German immigrants – that had come to New York earlier – to the Italian population.  The Italians made their homes in groups, and were given housing options due to their more easy going nature than the Germans and Irish, as Riis describes their behavior: “makes less trouble.”  The poor conditions they faced being forced into giving up their lives for boat tickets by the bankers, or “padrones” coupled with the meager living conditions is comparable to those in East Harlem forced into project housing.  Riis both compliments and seems to speak with disdain for the Italians.  He talks poorly of their mistakes in being tricked by the padrones, and speaks down of the lack of effort in learning English.  Yet Riis says the Italians have their “redeeming qualities,” as “honest as hot-headed.”