Firstly, my paternal grandfather immigrated from Italy through Ellis Island making it very personal for me. I also have fond memories visiting Ellis Island with my kid’s schools when they were younger.
Sincerely,
Ellis Island National Monument
Ellis Island straddles New York and New Jersey and commemorates the immigrant experience. Millions of American stories began at Ellis Island; by some estimates, 40% of people in the country today have at least one ancestor who entered the U.S. via this station. Though considered a gateway to the American dream, long lines and the threat of detainment and deportation tested the resolve of immigrants, many of whom had already spent days and sometimes months on crowded, unsanitary ships to escape persecution and poverty in their homelands.
State(s): New York
Established:
“They are part of US history and should be preserved and promoted.”
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