On Day One of a federal government shutdown, tourists were among the first to notice an impact here in the city.  

Some were shocked, even saddened, to realize the stalemate in Washington would keep them from visiting some of the biggest tourist destinations in the country, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.  

"It's so sad," said Amanda Sim, who was visiting from Malaysia. "I mean, it's the Statue of Liberty, and we come here, it's like a must-do."

The National Parks Service attributed the temporary closure to a "lapse in appropriations."  

Friday night, a four-week spending bill to fund the government through mid-February fell short of the 60 Senate votes needed to pass.

“What does that have to do with me going, you know, why does it have to be shut down?" said Michelle Hatch, a Wisconsin resident.

Statue Cruises, which normally operates ferry service out to both desitnations from the Battery Park Pier, had to put out signs instead. The company offered customers who had already purchased tickets the chance to exchange them for a one-hour tour of New York Harbor.

Some were still holding out hope that the issue will be resolved before they leave town. 

"We paid all that and we came here, and it's a symbol of the states," said tourist Lukshana Prohe. "I'm really sad. I'd be really sad and disappointed if I cant go there."

Some visitors noticed the irony that the Statue of Liberty, a sign of welcoming people into this country, would be closed over a fight about immigration. 

"Very disappointing," said tourist Joe Muhar. "It’s like a national symbol, and that people can’t go there, it’s very disappointing.”

Protection for those covered by the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, program had been a sticking point for many who voted against the temporary spending bill. The Obama-era immigration policy protects undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children. 

Governor Andrew Cuomo said the closure reflects a government trying to"kick our immigrants.'' He vowed to find a way to reopen the landmark using state dollars, saying a plan was in the works.