[Clemenza]

Actually, most Irish immigrants came though Castle Garden, NOT Ellis Island. Many also came trough Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and New Orleans.

[IrishMike]

Don’t know much about what % came through the various ports of entry, my dad came with three brothers through Ellis Island, late 40’s early 50’s. My dad in 1951.
A few months later, subway to One Whitehall Street, Manhattan - Korean War.

[norton]

"Actually, most Irish immigrants came though Castle Garden, NOT Ellis Island. Many also came trough Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and New Orleans."

As did many other immigrants before Ellis Island was constructed as a response to the demand. Demand created by open and legitimate efforts to become a part of this nation.

This time 'our' response to illegal immigration is not an improved means of legal entry but a legalization of criminal behavior, increased risk of imported disease, and - oh yeah - a free pass for any terrorists already in our midst or in route.

"Diversity" instead of assimilation / suicide instead of strengthening.

[Gideon Reader]

Yep. My grandparents and an infant uncle, entered through Gov.Clinton’s Castle/Castle Garden, in New York City in the late 1870’s and one shortly thereafter through the U.S.Canada land border after her transportation vessel foundered and was taken into tow off New Foundland.
All were working (but NOT at their trades)the day after arrival and all, though speaking several Eastern and Central European languages, Portugese and French with fluency,Spanish and Italian less well, albeit not English, quickly learned and became self sufficient. They proudly relished the fact that they were Americans and maintained photos of the President and flag, prominently displayed in the parlors of each residence.
The Ellis Island/Statute of Liberty phenomena is a fine idea and some sort of control is desperately needed.
However, I am not so sure that the current wave of immigrants, NO, make that ILLEGAL ALIENS, actually want to be Americans or just want to freely feed and accrue the benefits they believe is due them. We absolutely NEED to plug the Border leaks in this ship of state before it sinks to the bottom. Bailing; the control of illegals already here, is not as hard as some would have you believe. All that is required is the political will and integrity of our alleged national leaders to put right what has been administratively created by stupidity, sloth and incompetence.