Is turn of the century immigration a good platform essay topic?

I'm writing an essay for the spokesmodel competition of my pageant. I have an essay about Ellis Island and why turn of the century immigration was so important to America, but I'm not sure it would be the best choice for my essay. If it would be better, I have an outline of a paper on the importance of art as well. Which would be best? Or, do you have any better ideas?