Final answer:
The central idea is the massive migration from Europe to America, with over 12 million immigrants, mainly due to adversities like famine and oppression. The author lists European countries as origins of these immigrants and refers to the Statue of Liberty as a symbol of new beginnings for them.
Step-by-step explanation:
A central idea in this excerpt is that many people migrated from Europe to America. The author refines that idea by listing the European countries that immigrants left and providing examples of origin countries of all immigrants.
The total number of immigrants who came to America from the European countries is over 12 million, as indicated by the immigration through Ellis Island. These immigrants fled various types of adversity including famine, political and economic oppression, or were in pursuit of greater opportunities in the United States.
The origin countries highlighted include England, Ireland, the German and Russian empires, and Scandinavia, among others. Immigrants from these countries were part of a significant movement that shaped American society, with the Statue of Liberty serving as a beacon of hope and new beginnings for these individuals despite the challenges they often faced upon arrival.