When immigrants first heard of America, it was looked upon as a great land of opportunity. Individuals often envisioned America as a safehaven or a land that would welcome newcomers with open arms as they began new chapters in their lives. However, as immigrants passed through Ellis Island, in various instances, it was only a matter of moments before their American dream had crumbled before their eyes as they faced the possibility of detention or deportation. Do you think the fear of deportation prompted immigrants to find security by living in their own communities when they came to America?

Consider the details of the detainee dormitories – “a strictly no-frills operation…the bunks enclosed in pens that resembled oversized birdcages” and details of the dining hall – “the immigrants ate in shifts, a thousand at a time.” Why did America treat these newcomers like animals? Do you think these initial experiences at Ellis Island would prejudice their view of America as a hospitable country? Did their fears amplify prejudicial attitudes about other communities?