118: “The Island of Hope and Tears:” Ellis Island
History That Doesn't Suck
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The New York Harbor Office of the Superintendent of Immigration
The 18 91 immigration act does more than list groups not welcome in the united states. It also creates a new federal office to enforce these bands and regulations. The first ever commissioner of emigration at new york's port, colonel john webber, found it lacking. That's where ellis island comes in. Naimed after an eighteenth century butcher and formerly a p lace for executing pirates, before becoming a fort and naval arsenal.
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