Final answer:
Angel Island and Ellis Island were key immigration processing centers in the United States, with Angel Island focusing on controlling Chinese immigration post the Chinese Exclusion Act and Ellis Island processing over 12 million immigrants, providing entry and rigorous checks, especially for steerage passengers.
Step-by-step explanation:
Immigrant Processing Centers: Angel Island and Ellis Island
Angel Island and Ellis Island are historically significant as the United States' primary west coast and east coast immigration processing stations, respectively. Angel Island, located in San Francisco Bay, operated from 1910 to 1940 and was known for its rigorous screening processes, particularly for Chinese immigrants following the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. Here, immigrants faced prolonged detention and difficult interrogations. In New York, Ellis Island welcomed over 12 million immigrants between 1892 and 1954, providing a gateway for those seeking a new life in America. While immigrants with first or second class tickets underwent cursory onboard inspections, those in steerage faced thorough medical and legal evaluations upon arrival. Despite the hurdles, Ellis Island stands as a symbol of the diverse heritage of the United States.