Lessons from Ellis Island

Tomorrow is National Ellis Island Family History Day! According to the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation, Inc. from 1892 to 1954, over twelve million immigrants entered the United States through the portal of Ellis Island, a small island in New York Harbor. It is amazing to think that Ellis Island served many purposes prior to becoming an immigration station. The island was first known by Native Americans as Gull Island, for gulls were the only inhabitants. During the colonial era, it was renamed Oyster Bay because of its rich and abundant oyster bed. In the 1770s, Samuel Ellis became the owner of the island, which at the time was mainly used for executions of criminals and pirates. In 1808, Samuel Ellis’s heirs sold the island to the Federal Government where it transformed into a battery during the War of 1812. In 1890, once the federal government took responsibility for immigration from the states, funds were appropriated to build the first federal immigration station. While the immigration station was under construction, the Barge Office was used as the immigration reception center. The Barge Office, located on the tip of Manhattan, was responsible for processing 80% of the nation’s total population in 1891. Finally Ellis Island opened its doors in 1892.

This image below, featured in July 6, 1923 Perth Amboy Evening News, shows immigrants welcoming the Statue of Liberty after waiting overnight outside the harbor to be accepted into the station before they exhausted their daily quota. Two boys are celebrating with a piece of pie.

Image of immigrants arriving by boat to the U.S. with the heading "Some of Immigrants Who Raced to U. S." They are greeted by the Statue of Liberty in the background. Two boys are seen sharing a piece of pie.

Mrs. Jean Pratt is a woman of many talents and a large heart! The image, featured in June 19, 1923 Perth Amboy Evening News, shows her and her kindergarten class located at Ellis Island. Many of the children have faced hardships related to immigration however Mrs. Pratt inspires self expression through artwork and projects. It is beneficial that Mrs. Pratt can speak all the Latin languages, however she feels even if she was unable to do so the children could still understand her.

Image with the heading "Teaches Children At Ellis Island" shows Mrs. Jean Pratt and her kindergarten class at Ellis Island.

The image below, featured in March 12, 1920 Perth Amboy Evening News. shows immigrants cheering their new home and grateful for the opportunities that await them. Strict inspections mean more possibility of being denied. Many times the island of hope becomes the island of heartbreak.

Image with heading "Future Americans Cheer Their New Land" show immigrants cheering their new home.

In many cases, arriving to Ellis Island became devastating for passengers as they are denied access to enter. The article, featured in July 27, 1923 Perth Amboy Evening News explains Henry H. Curran’s, commissioner of immigration, initiative to perfect a system where ships can send information of their immigrant quotas to the foreign offices. He is also planning to lessen the immigration rush that is usually seen in the beginning of the summer months.

Image with heading "Heartache Isle!" shows immigrants at Ellis Island. Unfortunately, some immigrants are denied entrance.

This image featured in March 24, 1921 Perth Amboy Evening News, discusses discrimination against immigrants and the lack of attention given to assist them. Instead, they face obstacles, making it harder for them to succeed in society. Mrs. Bremmer, shown in the image below, argues for the need for reform in the immigration system.

Image with heading "Hampers Making of Americans" shows children and Mrs.  Bremmer who explains the need to reform the filing process at Ellis Island.

This article is about the injustices committed against the immigrants during the inspection process. The image, featured in March 18, 1921 Perth Amboy Evening News, shows immigrants who are treated as prisoners, being held in the island because of the lack of qualified interpreters. Many immigrants are deported because they did not passed literacy exams even though they are proficient in their native language. One reason for this ill treatment has to do with inexperienced inspectors and low wages. This and the lack of sanitary conditions presents the urgent need to reform.

Image with heading "Immigrants Unjustly Barred" shows immigrants held on the island.

(Kristi Chanda)

Sources:

“Ellis Island History.” (2020). The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation Inc. Retrieved from https://www.libertyellisfoundation.org/ellis-island-history.

“A Timeline of Ellis Island.” (2020). The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation Inc. Retrieved from https://www.libertyellisfoundation.org/ellis-timeline.

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