Ellis Island in New York has historical significance as a former immigration inspection station where millions of immigrants entered the United States from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century. Approximately 12 million immigrants are estimated to have arrived at Ellis Island during this period. As this was often their first point of entry into the U.S., Ellis Island became widely known as the "Gateway to Freedom" or the "Island of Hope."
For many, it represented the realization of dreams, new opportunities, and freedom from various hardships faced in their countries of origin.
