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Learn About Former U.S. Immigration Center Ellis Island and Diversity of Immigrants Processed There

Learn About Former U.S. Immigration Center Ellis Island and Diversity of Immigrants Processed There

Ellis Island and a photo montage of immigrants to the United States.
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News •

Today in History: Ellis Island officially closed • Nov. 12, 2026, 4:30 AM ET (Chicago Tribune)

Transcript

NARRATOR: In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, millions of immigrants were processed at Ellis Island, the gateway to the United States.

Skilled and unskilled laborers,

Craftsmen and teachers,

Mechanics and engineers,

Inventors and builders.

From Germany and France,

Sweden and Norway,

Ireland and Italy,

Spain and Portugal,

India and China,

Bohemia and Romania,

Poland and Russia.

The rich and the poor.

Men, women, children.

People of all races and ethnic backgrounds.

Those seeking freedom and opportunity and a new way of life.

The dreamers and their dreams.
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