Ellis Island

Ellis Island was an immigration inspection station in New York Harbor that processed around 12 million immigrants between 1892 and 1954. It played a crucial role during a period of massive immigration to the United States, serving as the gateway for people seeking new opportunities and a better life. For many immigrants, Ellis Island represented hope and the beginning of the American Dream, despite the challenges and inspections they faced upon arrival. Today, Ellis Island symbolizes the diverse cultural roots and the value of embracing newcomers, which is still relevant as people continue to migrate for similar reasons. For example, modern immigration policies and debates often reflect the same values of opportunity and acceptance that drew people to America through Ellis Island over a century ago.