In recent years, President Obama has focused on fixing America's "broken immigration system," proving that immigration in America is an unending story. While the story ended on Ellis Island in 1954, when its immigrant processing detention station was closed, in May, the museum is picking up where it left off 60 years ago.

The two new galleries opening in May were once the station's kitchen and laundry. For those expecting a sentimental view of immigration in America, they may be surprised to find a more raw, and realistic rendition of the struggles faced by immigrants.

One panel titled, "Feet People" sheds light on how until a half century ago, Mexican workers would routinely come to the United States to fill construction, service, and agricultural jobs – before immigration quotas.

The panel goes on to explain how the Border Patrol began militarizing the 2,000 mile United States-Mexican border and deporting illegal immigrants in 1993. The panel says that the fortification has pushed men, women and children, who seek to cross into the U.S. on foot without documentation, even deeper into dangerous and remote terrain.

The panel continues by saying that these Mexican immigrants cross mountain ranges and deserts on foot; some even crawl through tunnels and sewer pipes to find work and connect with family.

Stephen A. Briganti, the president and chief executive of the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation, Inc. said that when people want to do something, they figure out a way to do it, don't they?

Foundation Announces $20 Million Project

In 2008, the foundation announced a $20 million project that would expand the museum so it covers periods that occurred before and after Ellis Island was an immigration station.

In 2011, galleries covering pre-Ellis Island history explained that over half of those who arrived in the Americas between the 17th century and the early 19th century travelled against their will – most of them were slaves.