Before the political machines even came about, the Irish immigrants had no voice. They were alongside the blacks but a bit higher than them because of their skin color. They were one of the main causes of the draft riots because they felt highly discriminated against feeling they were forced to fight in the Civil War.
(St. John's School Website)
However, they started to get more attention because of the political machines. The Irish began to receive job opportunities and were presented with welfare to support their families.
In Gangs of New York, the leader of the Irish immigrants is Priest Vallon, who supports the “Dead Rabbits,” also known as the Irish immigrants. He supports the Irish against his opposition, Bill “the Butcher” who supports the natives of New York. Through people like Priest Vallon, the Irish immigrants survived the brutality they faced. Eventually, they didn’t just survive; they flourished, because they supported their bosses.