During the period of Jan 1910 to November 1940, the island became the Angel Island Immigration Station.

Unlike Ellis Island, where most immigrants were welcomed to the U.S.
Angel Island was known for detaining and excluding, mainly Chinese, from entering the country.

There was a fear of the Chinese laborers were a threat to American low-waged jobs, thus generating the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882.

Between 75 and 82 percent successfully immigrated to the U.S.

The station operated for 30 years.

It closed in 1940, after a fire destroyed the administration building and womens quarters.