Ellis Island Circa 1910

Fleeing from pogroms, Jews seek a new start (paying the passage breaks families apart) Russian, Slav, Greek, Pole, Italian and Turk Scots, English, Irish go, all seeking work Is it Island of Hope? Is it Island of Tears? Homesickness. Seasickness, immigrant fears Twelve thousand daily come shuffling past Inspectors, interpreters, medics at last All wearing tags stating each, their ship's name No passport needed, no visa to claim Anarchists, criminals, prostitutes too Not wanted, so only the healthy win through Butchers and teachers, farm workers and builders Waiters andhousekeepers, tailors, fruit pickers Fleeing from poverty, terror and war Prejudice, drought, head for Liberty's star Now, you can't move there without a job waiting Family-based, work-based, investment-based, rating Student-based, all need a visa in hand Before relocating to Washington's land