A range of factors motivated immigrants to leave their homelands to come to America. Many sought to escape poverty or prejudice. Some wanted to follow dreams, such as
promises of jobs, safe homes, or their own farms. Others clung to exciting illusions about how grand life in America would be. Whatever the reasons, between 1892 and 1954, more than twelve million immigrants passed through the Federal Immigration Center on Ellis Island in New York Harbor. There, beneath the welcoming arms of the Statue of Liberty, a diversity of hopeful newcomers took their first steps on American soil.
Many immigrants had spent as long as two miserable, seasick weeks on the harsh ocean crossing. What a joy it must have been for these weary newcomers to step onto land. At Ellis Island, they were greeted by a barrage of languages, sights, and smells.
Not all immigrants arriving in New York entered through Ellis Island. Those rich enough to travel as first-or second-class passengers did not have to wait and worry on the endless queues of the inspection process. These lucky ones had brief shipboard inspections and could exit right into the hustle and bustle of New York City.
The third-class passengers had to endure many medical and legal inspections. Lucky ones might complete the Ellis Island process in about five hours. Inspectors checked legal papers and asked questions about the immigrant’s family and vocation. The process was nerve-racking, but nearly 98% of new arrivals were let into the United States when it was over.
Visitors to the Ellis Island Immigration Museum today can retrace the footsteps of those immigrants. They can pass through the original Great Hall, which was restored in the 1980s. They can see photographs, documents, and precious possessions and hear recordings of immigrants sharing their experiences.