What conclusion can be drawn from the presence of groups like the Puritans, Pilgrims, Jews, and Catholics in the early British North American colonies? Church membership in England was restricted to wealthy, upper class citizens, and these groups could more easily afford transportation to the colonies. The American colonies were seen as a haven for religious groups seeking to practice their faith without discrimination. Immigration to the colonies provided an escape from the overpopulation, unemployment, and poverty of England. England had to find new sources of raw materials and food crops that were difficult to produce.