Angel Island

Focusing on the historical significance of Angel Island, this nonfiction work explores its role as a processing center for Asian immigrants from 1892 to 1940. Through memoirs, letters, and the poignant "wall poems," Russell Freedman narrates the experiences of roughly one million individuals from Japan, China, and Korea, detailing their reasons for immigrating, the screening process, and the challenges of detention and deportation. The book also highlights the evolution of immigration policy and the site's transformation into a historic landmark. Archival photos and extensive notes enhance the narrative.