Immigration is a word that conjures feelings of protection, patriotism, and sometimes prejudice-- particularly when immigration is en masse. Under the U.S. Constitution equality for all does not include immigrants. Have most Americans forgotten that, with the exception of Native Americans, all inhabitants of the U.S. had ancestors that immigrated at one time or another? Does the concept of immigration induce prejudice or is it really nationalism? Is it provincial attitudes or ignorance?

The Immigration Station on Angel Island was considered the Guardian of the Western Gate. Unlike Ellis Island, this station became a designated point of control for Chinese immigrants entering this country due to the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. Immigrants from other countries were also detained. The Immigration Station's history is detailed in the Cultural Landscape Report compiled by the National Park Service in December, 2002. In 1997, the Immigration Station became a National Historic Landmark.

Our Design Development interpretation is based on the extensive research in the Cultural Landscape Report and our intentions for this site are, for the most part, in agreement with the goals and objectives of the report.