What happened to immigrants when they arrived at Ellis Island?
• They were examined and questioned to check their physical and mental fitness
• They were given eighteen dollars with which to start their lives
They had to stay at Ellis Island for weeks before being allowed to enter the United States.
• They were allowed into the United States immediately
• They were processed and their documents were checked by immigration officials
• They underwent medical examinations and were screened for diseases
• They had their names changed or anglicized if their original names were difficult to pronounce or spell
• They were inspected for any legal or criminal offenses
• They were required to pass a series of tests, such as being able to count and write in their native language
• They were subjected to legal and literacy tests
• They were detained or deported if found to be ineligible for entry
• They were given identification tags to keep track of them during the processing period
• They were provided with basic necessities, such as food and shelter
• They were often met by relatives or sponsors who would assist them in their settlement process.