Ellis Island, located in New York Harbor near the Statue of Liberty, was the primary gateway for millions of immigrants arriving in the United States between 1892 and 1954. For many, it represented both hope and uncertainty—a place where dreams of a new life began, but also where medical and legal inspections determined whether families could enter the country. The main building, now beautifully restored as part of the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, preserves personal stories, artifacts, and records that tell the history of those who passed through its halls. Today, Ellis Island stands as a powerful symbol of America’s immigrant heritage and the diverse origins of its people.