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Ellis Island was the last big hurdle for many immigrants trying to get into the United States. Just like today the US government was trying to regulate immigration to ensure that people who came in would not be a drain on the economy, but would be able to contribute. In addition in the 1800’s and early 1900’s communicable diseases were a big problem, so immigrants were also screened for disease. |
| Status and wealth influenced the screening process. The first and second class passengers were given a cursory look on the big boats, then processed through to Manhattan. Third class passengers were ferried to Ellis Island for a more thorough examination. |  |
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Everyone had to show that they had enough money to not be begging on the streets as soon as they hit Manhattan. My Great Grandmother didn’t have enough money and was detained until her Dad could wire her enough funds. She stayed in Ellis Island in the dormitory until the funds came. The shipping companies were billed for anyone who stayed on the island. |
| Of course being white, western European, English speaking and Protestant didn’t hurt either. From the beginning some Ellis Island inspectors were prejudiced and turned away those who weren’t in their image of ‘American’. Immigrant processing centers on the border with Mexico and the Pacific coast (Angel Island) had much more in-depth physical exams to limit the undesirable people. In 1882 the US passed the ‘Chinese Exclusion Act‘ to limit the number of Chinese immigrants |  |
| As I did research for my book I was astounded at how many people of so many different places came to America and made us who we are today. I know I am a product of the immigration movement, as I am sure are a great many of my followers. |
Being Rich Was Helpful if you wanted to get through Ellis Island
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