War Shifts

This passage describes Ellis Island’s role during World War I and World War II. Immigration slowed down because of dangers at sea and new U.S. laws that made entry harder. Ellis Island took on new duties, such as serving as a hospital, detention center, and even a site for holding enemy countries’ citizens. During and after World War II, fewer immigrants arrived, and Ellis Island’s use declined until it closed in 1954. Today, Ellis Island stands as a symbol of the millions who once passed through seeking a better life.

Passages like this help students practice understanding cause and effect by showing how wars changed immigration patterns. Students expand their vocabulary with terms like “detention,” “immigration,” and “submarines.” They also strengthen comprehension by connecting history with geography and global events. Reading about Ellis Island encourages critical thinking about how world conflicts affect people’s lives. Overall, this builds skills in reading nonfiction, understanding context, and analyzing change over time.