The document discusses the history and role of ferries in transporting immigrants to New York City. Ferries symbolized passage to opportunity in America for many immigrants, though the journeys were long and uncomfortable. At Ellis Island, some immigrants faced quarantine or deportation if found with diseases. While ferries later declined as a transport method, many immigrant groups came to use and preserve the ferries as symbols of their heritage. Today, ferries in New York City largely serve tourists and residents of Staten Island.