Highlight the causes in the text. The separation of families characterized much of the immigration pattern during Ellis Island's years of operation. As with the Kudrna family, war and other uncontrollable events often divided family members between their home country and America. However, family objectives also led to separation. —"Kudrna Family" from "Island of Hope, Island of Tears," Ellis Island National Monument Online What effect do the causes explain? Immigrant families were often separated. Immigrant families had to go through Ellis Island. Immigrant families left their homelands to come to America.