My name is Makarov, I am 23 years old and leaving Russia because of the promise for opportunity here in America.

The immigration center, Ellis Island, was very welcoming, and very few of us were denied citizenship.

I had to go through a giant crowd, go through a medical inspection and a legal inspection to make sure I was fit for the United States.

The food here was great, they served mutton with peas, and they gave me coffee. I can't recall any bad that happened to me during my stay here.

I'm a little worried that I won't get accepted to the country, but the process was short and easy. It took only about 2-3 hours for the entire process.

I'm feeling worried again, but I shouldn't. I'm a garment worker in Chicago, Illinois. I make clothes for others to wear. 

I live on South Dearborn street in Chicago, Illinois. It was a great experience, much better than the position I was in when I lived in Moscow. As you know, I work at a garment factory to make clothes for others. I was treated a little differently because I was Russian, but the city wasn't too harsh on me.