In the mid-1800s, many immigrants from ireland were processed at ellis island. why did most of these immigrants leave their homes and come to the united states? a. they wanted to fight in the civil war and slaves slaves gain their freedom . b. they wanted to find work on the east coast and escape famine in ireland. c. they wanted to freely practice their religion and escape persecution in ireland. d. they wanted to mine for gold in the west and send money back to there families.