Overview

For most of the 20th century, to think of immigration was to think of Ellis Island and the bittersweet stories of generations of immigrants whose lives were touched as they passed through that landmark location. Usually overlooked in the national story of immigration has been our southwestern border. Millions of immigrants passed through this border on their way to becoming Americans. Many made the harrowing journey over well-worn paths, following the steps of hundreds of thousands of travelers before them.