f immigration laws in the 1920s, it was used more for "assembly, detainment,and deporting aliens," and symbolized a closing door. Immigrants were required topass a series of medical and legal inspections before they could enter America. Theactual experience of going through inspection or detainment on Ellis Island was oftennerve wracking. Those who did not pass these inspections were returned to theircountry of origin on the boats that brought them here. Even though only 2 percent ofthose coming to America were turned away at Ellis Island, that translated to over250,000 people whose hopes and dreams turned to tears.It was the “Gateway to America”, it was needed, and it was built.Ellis Island ...
