A Family's Journey Through Ellis Island

Pages from Rosa Alvarez's Notebook

In 1908, Rosa Alvarez left a village in northern Spain with her mother, father, and younger brother, Luis. Work had become hard to find in their town. Rosa's uncle Mateo had already moved to New York. In a letter, he wrote that he had found steady work and could help the family get settled. The family hoped to find work and live near him. Families who immigrated had different reasons for leaving their homes.

After a long trip across the ocean, the Alvarez family reached New York Harbor and went to Ellis Island. Officials looked at their papers and asked questions about where they would stay, what work they planned to do, and who would meet them. A doctor gave each family member a medical examination. The family waited in a great hall while officials made decisions. Rosa felt nervous when the doctor looked at her eyes, but she passed the examination.

The Alvarez family was allowed to continue into the United States. They reunited with Mateo and traveled to New York City. Some other arrivals were held for more checks or were not permitted to enter. By 1910, Rosa's family was living near Mateo. Her father found a job at a bakery, and Rosa went to school. She learned new English words, helped Luis learn them too, and learned the streets of the city. The family also sent letters to relatives who were still in Spain.