Ellis Island, NYC

#bucketlistreboot When looking on the streets of New York City, you can see how the various lax immigrations policies through the decades have shaped this metropolis into the financial hub and economic powerhouse with a prime spot on the world stage. Yet, this wasn’t always the case. Many of the people that came here first were met by doctors inspecting them and border agents looking them up for any suspicious behaviour. As a recently arrived immigrant from Europe the sight of the Statue of Liberty would have been a sign of reassurance that the long voyage is now past and the future is yours to make in the the New World. Once arrived, your ship would’ve first stopped on Ellis Island. Doctors would inspect you for any diseases followed by a long wait in the hall. Your name would be called by the border agent and you had to have $20 on you or else you might not be let in. Note that knowledge of English was not mandatory. Only, and only then, you could say you’ve arrived in the Land of Opportunity.