What are some reasons why someone would want to immigrate from Ireland to Ellis Island in 1916?

Okay so im writing a story for reading cl on someone from ireland and we're supposed to use historical events to help us think of why our immigrant immigrated from there home counrty to ellis island. So i need to know somethings about ireland in 1916. I was thinking that it could have something to do with world war 1, but im not quite sure on how it was for the irish! So i need some facts about ireland!? Please help me!?