Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation

The Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation (AIISF) is a non-profit organization based in San Francisco, California. It is dedicated to preserving and promoting the history and legacy of the Angel Island Immigration Station, which was the primary point of entry for immigrants from Asia to the United States from 1910 to 1940.

The foundation was established in 1983 with the goal of raising awareness about the experiences of immigrants who passed through Angel Island and to ensure the preservation of the historic site. The immigration station, located on Angel Island in San Francisco Bay, was often referred to as the 'Ellis Island of the West' and served as a processing center for immigrants, primarily from China and other Asian countries.

During its operation, the Angel Island Immigration Station was known for its rigorous and often discriminatory immigration policies, which subjected immigrants to long detentions, interrogations, and medical examinations. Many Chinese immigrants, in particular, faced harsh treatment and were subjected to prolonged stays in the station's barracks while awaiting clearance for entry into the United States.

The AIISF works to preserve the physical structures of the Angel Island Immigration Station, including the barracks and administration building, which now serve as a museum. The foundation conducts research, collects oral histories, and curates exhibits to educate the public about the immigration experience and the hardships endured by those who passed through Angel Island.

In addition to its preservation efforts, the foundation also organizes educational programs, events, and cultural activities to celebrate the contributions of immigrants and their descendants. These initiatives aim to foster dialogue, understanding, and appreciation for the diverse immigrant communities that have shaped the United States.

The Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation relies on public support, donations, and grants to carry out its mission of preserving the history of Angel Island and promoting a more inclusive understanding of immigration. Through its work, the foundation seeks to ensure that the stories of the past are remembered and that lessons learned from the Angel Island experience are applied to contemporary immigration issues.