Beginning in 1910, U.S. officials began operating out of Angel Island with the primary goal of enforcing immigration laws, particularly as they pertained to Asian immigrants. Unlike Ellis Island, which primarily processed European immigrants, Angel Island served as the main immigration station on the West Coast. It was used to inspect and detain immigrants, primarily from China and other parts of Asia, often subjecting them to lengthy interrogations and harsh treatments.
The station operated until 1940 and became known for its strict policies, especially following the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, which effectively banned Chinese laborers from entering the United States. Many immigrants faced detention for days, weeks, or even months as officials sought to verify their claims of citizenship or entry eligibility. Angel Island has a significant historical legacy as a symbol of the challenges faced by Asian immigrants and their struggles for acceptance in American society.