Day Two - Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

Today was another great day.  I saw one of the many things that made my NYC bucket list.  No, it wasn't the Statue of Liberty - although she's really inspiring - it was Ellis Island.  Since 100 million of us are descended from someone who came through this processing center, I really wanted to get the feel of this place.  I remember when it was restored - not rebuilt, and I also wanted to see what kind of job was done.  I think the Ellis Island experience is crucial in our understanding about ourselves.  Almost all of us come from somewhere else.  The ones who came were desperate, adventurous, determined, and willing to make a leap of faith that their life would be better if they got on those ships.  It was a journey into the unknown.  Most didn't speak English, many couldn't read or write, a great number arrived with nothing except what they carried, a strong back and a willingness to work.  The streets were not literally paved with gold, but for a surprising number those American streets became figuratively paved with gold - opportunity they couldn't hope to even glimpse where they came from.

Everyone was terrified of being 'sent back'.  Of the over 12 million people processed at Ellis Island, only 2% were deported back to where they started.  However, lots of people were detained - mostly for health reasons - a child with the measles could hold up an entire family for weeks.  Lots of Ellis Island was devoted to getting people well, so they could move on.  The bureaucracy functioned well here aided by private aid societies.   

I was struck over and over today how little has changed.  We are still the shining beacon of hope.  We still have a strong anti-immigration sentiment today.  Immigrants arrive today eager to find those golden streets.  I think you will find the pictures tell the story today.

https://picasaweb.google.com/jalyss1/DayTwoStatueOfLibertyAndEllisIsland?authkey=Gv1sRgCKzd8Iqrs637Ug#