Ellis Island, or the Island of Tears, is located in New York Harbor, just off the New Jersey coast, and north of Liberty Island.0:35
It used to be an immigrant inspection station, and between 1892 and 1954, over 12 million immigrants entered the United States through here.0:43
40% of all Americans can trace at least one ancestor to Ellis Island.0:53
Immigrants from all over the world arriving in New York Harbour would stop at Ellis Island to pass through immigration before entering the US.0:58
First and second class passengers underwent a brief inspection aboard ship.1:05
The government felt wealthy passengers would not become a burden to the state.1:10
Third class or steerage passengers, though, were transported from the pier by ferry to Ellis Island where everyone would undergo a medical and legal inspection.1:14
They entered the main building through the baggage room and left their luggage there.1:23
Then they proceeded to the Great Hall.1:27
The first test was the 6-second medical exam.1:30
Doctors looked at the immigrants for apparent medical problems or disabilities.1:34
They put chalk marks on the clothes of people they thought had something wrong with them and sent them for a full examination.1:38
Medical examinations weren't required for everyone until 1917.1:45
If someone had a problem that was curable, they were sent to the island's hospital.1:49
If not, the steamship company they came with would have to pay to send them back.1:53
The next step was an interview with a legal inspector.1:58
Immigrants had to have proof of where they came from and where they expected to live and work.2:01
After 1921, people had to pass a literacy test and show a passport and visa.2:06
When there were no problems, the whole process could take a mere 3 to 5 hours.2:12
However, some people would stay longer on the island if they had legal problems or if they had to wait for a family member to be treated in the hospital.2:17
The next area was the money exchange area where people could acquire dollars and buy train tickets.2:24
At the exit from Ellis Island, so many family reunions took place that the staff gave it the nickname "The Kissing Post."2:29
After that, the new Americans were free to start their new lives.2:36
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