Angel Island Poetry

Angel Island Poetry refers to the inscriptions and poems created by Chinese immigrants on the walls of the Angel Island Immigration Station in California, which operated from 1910 to 1940. The poems, often written in classical Chinese, express the immigrants' experiences, hopes, and struggles while detained at the station, reflecting themes of longing, discrimination, and the search for freedom. These writings are significant as they provide historical insights into the lives of early 20th-century Chinese immigrants and highlight cultural identity amidst hardship. Today, they are recognized as important works of art and literature.