Ellis Island
1 Though it is not unusual to hear stories about immigrants who were detained on Ellis Island, records show that the majority of immigrants who arrived in the United States were permitted entry in an expedient manner. Most arriving immigrants were there for only a short three to five hours. First, they had to submit to a quick medical exam. The doctors at Ellis Island were skilled at conducting “six-second physicals” during which they could diagnose various conditions with just a glance. After passing the medical exam, immigrants were subjected to a legal exam to ensure that they would be able to support themselves in the United States.
2 Although most immigrants passed these two tests, some did not. The minority who were detained on Ellis Island can be divided into three categories. The first were immigrants who were diagnosed with a contagious disease. The diseases that examining doctors looked for were cholera, scalp and nail fungus, tuberculosis, insanity, epilepsy, mental impairments, and trachoma, a highly contagious eye infection that could lead to blindness and death. The second category was made up of immigrants who were judged likely to become public charges because they could not support themselves. Under this category, unescorted women and children were not allowed entry into the United States. Finally, stowaways, anarchists, and criminals were judged to be “immoral” and were detained on Ellis Island. Ellis Island was only used for “steerage” or “third-class” ship passengers.
3 Immigrants who travelled first or second class were required to have only a cursory inspection aboard ship. There was a theory behind this policy. If a person could afford the more expensive first- or second-class ticket, he or she was not likely to become a public charge. These people were also thought to be less likely to carry a medical condition that could endanger United States residents.
Which of the following is not a minor supporting detail in the passage “Ellis Island”?
A)Legal exams were to ensure immigrants could support themselves.
B)Most Ellis Island immigrants were kept for three to five hours.
C)Doctors looked for trachoma, a highly contagious eye infection.
D)Three categories of people were detained on Ellis Island.