What are the immigrants from Europe trying to do and what is the significance of the funnel?
The immigrants from Europe were primarily trying to seek better economic opportunities and escape political instability and persecution in their home countries. They hoped to start afresh in the United States, where they believed they would have a better chance at improving their lives.
The significance of the funnel is that it represents the journey and process of immigration. The funnel analogy refers to the passage that immigrants followed, starting from their departure in Europe and culminating in their arrival at Ellis Island, the primary immigration station in New York Harbor. The funnel depicts the selection and screening process that immigrants had to go through, as they were inspected for health and legal requirements before being allowed entry into the country. The funnel also signifies the narrowing down of opportunities for immigrants, as not everyone who wanted to migrate could successfully make it through the strict immigration policies and regulations.