Legacy Stories

This passage highlights Ellis Island’s legacy as both a historic immigration station and a modern-day museum. From 1892 to 1954, over 12 million immigrants passed through, shaping America’s identity as a “melting pot.” Ellis Island today teaches people about those struggles and triumphs, preserving immigrant stories across cultures and backgrounds. The passage also explains how immigration debates continue, with different views on whether new arrivals help or challenge the U.S. economy and society. Ultimately, Ellis Island represents hope, opportunity, and the lasting contributions immigrants made to America.

Reading passages like this builds comprehension by connecting past events to modern issues. Students gain vocabulary such as “legacy,” “identity,” and “melting pot,” enriching their academic language. They also develop critical thinking by comparing historical and present-day debates on immigration. Understanding cause-and-effect relationships strengthens analytical skills. Overall, passages like this improve fluency, comprehension, and the ability to evaluate ideas in nonfiction texts.