From the late 1800s to the mid-1950s, Ellis Island in New York Bay was the gateway to a new life for many immigrants. These people left their respective homelands for a variety of reasons: from famine and religious persecution, to war and rumors of cities of solid gold. But common to all was the desire to start over, the desire to be whoever they wanted to be in the “Golden Land”. Said an immigrant inspired by the words of Mother America: ...shout with silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the miserable refuse of your teeming shore. Send these to me, the homeless, the storm-torn, I raise my lamp beside the golden door! [sic]” (Lazarus 10) For many of these fortunate Americans, the Statue’s “world welcome” torch (Lazarus 7) burned brightly. But for countless others, that lamp was actually quite dim. Some were sent back to their countries, blatantly denied the right to a better life. Many others faced indescribable challenges in the new environment, struggling in the throes of poverty. Although more than 12 million people have come to Ellis Island seeking a new life away from oppressive circumstances, not all have been able to live the American dream due to deportation, exploitation and discrimination. From countries around the world, immigrants have flocked to America in an effort to make it their new adopted home. They arrived on steamships that docked at the Verrazano-Narrows. This would end a journey that could last up to six months. Ferries would then arrive at docked steamships and transport their passengers to Ellis Island. Success at last, they would have thought, as their eyes fell on America's greatest symbol: the Statue of Liberty. This icon of life, freedom, ... middle of paper ... without sunlight; rooms for sleeping, eating, cooking, but without sun. Could I survive with just a place to sleep and eat, or would I always need sunlight to be happy? "Where is America?" my heart cries. (Bausum 95) I firmly believe that Ellis Island – while often perceived as a gateway to a beautiful and happy life for all who pass through its halls – was actually a horrible experience for many. Countless hearts were broken as they were deported. For many, no right jobs were available. Thousands of people were packed into the slums of New York, wishing they had never arrived in the new country. Not only were the streets not paved with gold, but immigrants often had to pave them themselves. Long after the island was closed, workers found an inscription on the wall written by an immigrant. “Why should I fear the flames of Hell?” he read. “I went through Ellis Island.”