ELLIS ISLAND Island of tears Today, in New York City there are more people with Irish, Italian and Jewish ancestors than in Dublin, Rome or Tel Aviv! Many of these uncestors passed through Ellis Island, which stands sto the west of New York’s Liberty Island and opposite to the Battery Park in Manhattan. In 1890, It was transformed from a prison into a checkpoint for the huge wave of immigrants from Europe and the Middle East. On its opening day it saw the arrival of 700 immigrants, but as time went on, as many as 5,000 a day landed, the record being on 17th April 1907with 12,000 people. In 1924 Ellis Island, which included a dormitory, hospital and isolation ward for infectious diseases, ‘was transformed into a detention centre for illegal immigrants. Today it is an intresting museum. Why is it nicknamed “Island of Tears"? Because many immigrants have let families behind, many were denied entry to the US and those who did gain entry were often obliged to work long hours at hard humble jobs. sya del From Ellis Island immigrants could see the Statue of Liberty, symble of their hopes and dreams. America has always had to face the problems of ethnic minorities, beginning with the resettlement of the native american Indians followed by the Black Slave Trade in the South and finally the ‘twentieth century immigration boom from Latin America, It has taken a great struggle to obtain the same civil rights for all, but now the US nation is more integrated than ever before. ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS: Why did it become necessary in 1890 to set up a checkpoint for immigrants? What different roles has Ellis Islands played? What sort of humble jobs do you think immigrants did? Why do you think their first view of the statue of Liberty was so important to them? Have you ever had a difficult journey? Why did you find it hard? ‘© What changes have there been in travelling in the last fifty years? Do people travel moreor less than in the past? © What are the advantages and disadvantages of air travel? © What cities would you like to visit? Why? ¢ What do you think about study holidays? Have you ever tried this experience? © What are the landmarks in your country?