Incredible Photos Of Immigrants Arriving At Ellis Island

World War I

During World War I, immigration to the United States dramatically slowed down, partially due to the fact that travel was restricted in wartime. Anti immigrant sentiments also began to increase when the United States entered the war in 1917. Many German citizens who attempted to enter the country through Ellis Island were deported. A hospital was set up on the island which also served as a detention center for citizens of countries which were at war with the United States. it was a troubling time for the nation as a whole, but especially for immigrants looking to start a n ew life in America.