Angel Island Immigration Station

On September 24, 2022, a group of MIMS students and faculty visited the Angel Island Immigration Station. From 1910-1940, this station operated as the “Ellis Island of the West”. For 30 years, nearly 1 million people from 80 nations were detained upon entering the United States following the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act. Some stayed for 2-3 days, some for 5 years. Barracks held hundreds of migrants in unsanitary and crammed living conditions. Individuals faced medical inspections and exams upon arrival to determine whether or not they were allowed to enter the country. Men and women were separated in the prison-like environment. Walls were carved with beautiful & heartbreaking poetry from the voices of detainees.

“Even if it is built of jade, it has turned into a cage” -Poem 135.

The symbolic representation of having once jade-green walls, which in Chinese culture represents beauty, wealth and goodness, is in stark contrast to the once lived reality of detainment at Angel Island. This site highlights the historical xenophobia and exclusionary policies directed towards immigrants. It was an impacting and insightful experience which students of the MIMS program developed a deeper understanding of the hardships and history of immigration. Having these educational activities are incredibly meaningful for the students when beginning their research in the field of migration.

Click here to learn more about the Angel Island Immigration Station.