Angel Island: Asian Immigration Processing Center — Reading Comprehension

Angel Island, located in San Francisco Bay, served as the main processing center for Asian immigrants entering the United States from 1910 to 1940. While Ellis Island on the East Coast welcomed millions of European newcomers, Angel Island was often called the "Ellis Island of the West." However, there were important differences. Many Asian immigrants, especially those from China, faced much greater obstacles and discrimination compared to Europeans. This contrast reveals how U.S. immigration policy was influenced by both prejudice and economic concerns.

Immigrants from China, Japan, Korea, and other Asian countries often left home because of war, poverty, or dreams of opportunity. Many hoped to find work and support their families. However, laws such as the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act specifically targeted Chinese laborers, making it nearly impossible for them to enter the country legally. This act was the first major law to ban a group based on nationality. A primary source from 1910 shows the impact: "I have been detained on this island for many months, waiting to prove my right to enter," wrote one Chinese immigrant in a letter. This quote demonstrates the frustration and uncertainty experienced by many at Angel Island.

The U.S. government justified these restrictions by claiming that Chinese immigrants would take jobs from Americans and could not "assimilate." However, these arguments were rooted in economic fears and racial bias. At Angel Island, officials used strict interrogations to test whether immigrants were telling the truth about their family and background. If they could not answer detailed questions, they were often denied entry and sent back home. This process led to tremendous stress and separation for many families.

Unlike Ellis Island, where most immigrants were processed in hours or days, people at Angel Island were sometimes detained for weeks, months, or even years. The conditions in the detention barracks were harsh. Overcrowding, poor food, and lack of freedom led to feelings of isolation and despair. Some immigrants carved poems into the wooden walls, expressing their hope, fear, and anger. These poems, discovered decades later, are important evidence of the emotional experiences of those held at Angel Island.

Not all Americans supported these harsh policies. Some reformers and community groups argued for fairer treatment and the rights of immigrants. They provided legal help, education, and care. Meanwhile, U.S. government officials believed they were protecting American interests and maintaining order. This conflict between humanitarian ideals and national security shaped the debates over immigration for decades.

The story of Angel Island reveals the complexity of American immigration history. On one hand, the United States promised opportunity and freedom. On the other, it used laws and policies to exclude certain groups. By comparing the experiences at Angel Island and Ellis Island, students can better understand how race, economics, and politics influenced who could become American.

Today, the preserved buildings and poems at Angel Island remind us of the challenges faced by Asian immigrants and the importance of fairness in immigration policy. Understanding multiple perspectives helps us learn from the past and think critically about the present.

Interesting Fact: Some detainees at Angel Island carved poems on the walls in Chinese, many of which can still be seen today as a powerful reminder of their struggles.

When did Angel Island open?

Which law targeted Chinese immigrants?

What did some detainees carve at Angel Island?

Why did the U.S. government justify exclusion?

How were Angel Island and Ellis Island different?

What does the primary source quote show?

Angel Island mainly processed European immigrants. True or false?

What does 'prejudice' mean?