ELLIS ISLANDIsle of Tears Ellis Island is a symbol of America´s immigrant heritage. About twelve million people landed there; today their descendants account for almost 40% of the country´s population. With the opening of Ellis Island began a new era of immigration with each newcomer´s eligibility to land determined by federal law. The Journey Immigrants sailed to America in hopes of discovering new destinies for themselves. Most were fleeing religious persecution, political oppression and economic problems. Thousands of people arrived daily in New York Harbor on steamships from mostly Eastern and Southern Europe. The first and second class passengers were allowed to pass inspection on the ships and had not to go to the examination on the Island. Only the "inferior" passengers had to take the ferry to Ellis Island. However, for all of them the journey meant days or even month aboard overcrowded ships travelling through stormy weather. Inedible food and terrible conditions only increased the misery for many who had become sick aboard these ships. In spite of that, the promise of freedom and opportunity made even the most horrible trip worth it. The Arrival This part describes step-by-step what most new immigrants experienced on Ellis Island. For the majority of immigrants, Ellis Island meant three to five hours of waiting for a short medical and legal examination. For others, it meant a longer stay with additional testing or a hearing; as many as 5000 people each day were checked, questioned and sent away. For 2%, it meant exclusion and a return trip to their homeland. Of the millions of people who arrived, men made up the greater proportion. Many came to America seeking jobs and comfortable living. Once established in America, they sent for their wives and children. Closing No longer needed for mass processing, the station became a detention and deportation centre for undesirable aliens. It was also used as a hospital for wounded servicemen during the two World Wars and as a training area for the U.S. Coast Guard. On November 29th, 1954, the government closed the Island and it remained abandoned until President L.B. Johnson placed it under the National Park Service on May 11th, 1965. He recognized that the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island are an essential unity. The Statue is a symbol for the American dream of freedom and opportunity and Ellis Island is the reminder of the courage and energy it took to turn that dream into reality. Ellis Island today Ellis Island is one of the country´s most important sites. It is also one of the most visited monuments. Now magnificently restored, the Great Hall was once the focus of immigrant processing. The restoration began in 1983 and the immigration museum opened in 1990. It includes personal papers, jewellery, tools, religious articles and clothing of the immigrants. Ellis Island exists today as a testament to the importance of immigration. It shapes America and the millions of people who passed through it. Slivia Maraha, Kathrin Richter ; JgSt 12 Vocabulary:
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