Ellis Island was a processing center for people immigrating to America, known as the Island of Hope, and the Island of Tears representing the gateway to the new world. An estimated five thousand immigrants a day passed through Ellis Island in hopes of starting a new life in America, fleeing hardship and political persecution in their home countries. America was the land of opportunity therefore gaining entrance meant a new life and restored hope for millions. However, not everyone was allowed entrance for various reasons, such as, disabilities or illness that prevented him or her from working or not obtaining the necessary paper work. For those who were turned away Ellis Island was an Island of Tears, crushing their dreams of a life in the
