Ellis Island was the entry point for about 12 million immigrants to the United States between 1892 and 1954, the vast majority of coming between 1892 and 1924. While there were few national restrictions on immigration at the time, immigration from China was restricted by the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act. In an overview of the history of immigration to the U.S. before 1965, history.com explains:
The 28-minute film Island of Hope, Island of Tears provides a terrific overview of this history and the experience newcomers at Ellis Island.