Spring Semester 2000, Vol. 11, no. 1

Questions Asked of Immigrants at Ellis Island

Prospective immigrants were lined up through a maze of metal fences in the Great Hall at Ellis Island. During busy periods, as many as 5,000 people each day would be checked. Each, in turn, had to undergo both physical inspection and extensive questioning before they were released. For the majority of people, the procedure took between three and five hours. Those two percent denied entry were sent back across the ocean at the steamship line's expense. Could you have answered each of the following questions if you had been there?

• What is your name?

• How old are you?

• Are you male or female?

• Are you married or single?

• What is your occupation?

• Are you able to read and write?

• What country are you from?

• What is your race?

• What is the name and address of a relative from your native country?

• What is your final destination in America?

• Who paid for your passage?

• How much money do you have with you?

• Have you been to America before?

• Are you meeting a relative here in America?  Who?

• Have you been in a prison, almshouse, or institution for care of the insane?

• Are you a polygamist?  Are you an anarchist?

• Are you coming to America for a job?  Where will you work?

• What is the condition of your health?

• Are you deformed or crippled?

• How tall are you?

• What color are your eyes/hair?

• Do you have any identifying marks? (scars, birthmarks, tattoos)

• Where were you born? (list country and city)

• Who was the first President of America?

• What are the colors of our flag?

• How many stripes are on our flag?  How many stars?

• What is the 4th of July?

• What is the Constitution?

• What are the three branches in our government?

• Which President freed the slaves?

• Can you name the 13 original Colonies?

• Who signs bills into law?

• Who is the current President of the United States?

• What is America?s national anthem called?

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