Here, at Ellis Island, all of their fright, courage, and—most of all—hope funneled into this one moment: passing through the registry office to the stairwell, the exit to their freedom, and to possibilities of which they could only dream before now.
So many emotions bundled into one location. If you’re lucky, you pass through the gates and to the mainland. If you’re not, you go back. Passengers with money were able to avoid this and complete a pre-inspection. Those without had to endure this.
