Imagine standing on a crowded ship after a long, hard journey across the ocean. The wind is cold, the sea is rough. You've been on this boat for weeks. You're tired, hungry, and scared. Then in the distance, you see a tall green statue holding a torch. Everyone around you begins to cheer. It's the Statue of Liberty. That means you are close. You are almost in America. You have made it. People cry. They hug. They smile for the first time in days. For many immigrants, seeing the Statue of Liberty was the most important moment of their lives. It meant hope. It meant a new life. But before they could step into America, they had to pass through Ellis Island. Ellis Island is a small island in New York Harbor. It is near the Statue of Liberty. From 1892 to 1954, Ellis Island was the main place where immigrants came into the United States. Over 12 million people passed through Ellis Island during those years. Most came from Europe. They were looking for a better life. Some were escaping war. Some were escaping hunger. Some just wanted a fresh start. Before Ellis Island, immigrants were checked at Castle Garden in Manhattan. But as more people came, the US government needed a bigger place. Ellis Island opened on January 1st, 1892. The first immigrant to come through was a 15-year-old girl from Ireland. Her name was Annie Moore. She came with her two younger brothers. She was given a $10 gold coin as a gift. At Ellis Island, immigrants had to pass several tests. First, they had to answer questions. Officials asked for their name, age, and where they came from. They asked if the person had a job lined up. They wanted to know if the person had any money. They wanted to make sure people would not be a burden to the country. Next, immigrants had to go through a medical check. This was called the six-second exam. A doctor would quickly look at each person. They checked for signs of sickness. If someone looked ill, they were marked with chalk on their clothes. Those people were taken for more tests. Some illnesses were serious. If a person had a disease like tuberculosis or traoma, they might be sent back to their home country. Families could be separated. Sometimes a child was allowed to stay, but a parent was sent back. It was very hard and very sad. But most people passed the tests. About 98 out of 100 people were allowed to stay. Life at Ellis Island could be stressful. It was crowded. It was noisy. People spoke many different languages. Immigrants waited in long lines. Some stayed only a few hours. Others had to stay for days. They slept in large rooms with many beds. Food was simple. Bread, soup, and sometimes meat. Children were often scared, but they were also helpers. People from churches and charity groups gave out food, clothes, and kind words. After passing the tests, immigrants could buy train tickets or meet family members. They often carried everything they owned in a small bag or trunk. Some went to cities like New York, Chicago, or Boston. Others went west to find work on farms or in factories. Many immigrants stayed in neighborhoods with others from their home country. They helped each other. They kept their language and traditions alive. But they also worked hard to learn English and fit into American life. The buildings on Ellis Island were made of wood at first, but in 1897, a fire burned them down. No one died, but many records were lost. A new building made of brick opened in 1900. It still stands today as part of the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration. You can visit it and see the rooms where people once waited. You can see old suitcases, photographs, and papers. There is even a wall outside with the names of many immigrants who came through Ellis Island. The busiest year at Ellis Island was 1907. That year, over 1 million people passed through. But by the 1920s, laws changed. The US began to limit how many people could come from each country. Fewer people came and Ellis Island was used less and less. After World War II, it was mostly used for people who were sick or had special cases. In 1954, Ellis Island closed as an immigration station. Even though Ellis Island is no longer in use, it is an important symbol. It reminds us of the many people who left everything behind to come to America. They brought their hopes and dreams. They worked hard. They helped build the country. Today, many Americans can trace their family history back to Ellis Island. It is a place full of stories. Stories of courage, sadness, joy, and new beginnings.