Island of tears

Ellis Island was the gateway to the US for millions of immigrants from its opening as the nation's main migrant inspection station in 1892, until it closed in the mid-1950s. Most of the migrants were approved after spending two to five hours on the island.

Those with health problems were sent home or held in the island's hospital for lengthy periods. More than 3,000 migrants died on the island. For the two per cent of would-be citizens denied admission, Ellis became known as "the island of tears".