Immigrants! Creativity!

This picture features immigrants waiting to be checked in at Ellis Island in New York City, the main entry point for millions of immigrants to the United States.

Study the photograph--the people, their faces, their clothing, everything.  Then, think of what the photograph does not tell you--their fears, their finances, their language, and so on.

Then it's time to get creative.

Select one of the figures in the photograph and write a narrative in which you describe their thoughts as they wait to be checked in at Ellis Island.  

Consider: they have recently left their homeland for a very bright but very unpredictable future.  Everything they own is in the luggage that you see.  They could be sent back immediately if there is any suspicion of disease.  Above all else, after they are checked in, if they are allowed in, they might not have any idea what their next move is.

Your narrative should run for a few paragraphs.  Aim to tell their story--who they are, where they are from, why they left, what they hope to accomplish, etc.

20 POINTS!  DUE FRIDAY!  EXTRA CREDIT IF IN BY TUESDAY!

Ellis Island National Monument 

Did your ancestors arrive at Ellis Island?  Find out.