Ellis Island: The Immigrant Experience

The video describes the immigration process at Ellis Island, highlighting the differences in screening for first and second class passengers versus those in steerage. It details the medical inspections, including the use of chalk marks and the button hook test for trachoma. Legal interviews were conducted to verify immigrants' information, and women needed a male sponsor to leave. The video concludes with statistics about Ellis Island and review questions.

What was the main reason first and second class passengers were not screened at Ellis Island?

• They had already been screened in their home country.

• They were exempt from any screening.

• They were screened at a New York hospital.

• They were considered less of a health risk.

What was the primary role of interpreters at Ellis Island?

• To guide immigrants to their final destination.

• To offer legal advice.

• To help immigrants communicate during the inspection process.

• To provide medical assistance.

What was the purpose of the button hook test?

• To test hearing ability.

• To check for skin diseases.

• To examine foot health.

• To detect an eye disease called trachoma.

What was the main focus of the legal interview at Ellis Island?

• To test the immigrant's knowledge of English.

• To verify the information on the ship's manifest.

• To assess the immigrant's financial status.

• To determine the immigrant's health condition.

What was required of women immigrants arriving alone at Ellis Island?

• They had to find a job before leaving.

• They were automatically deported.

• They had to stay at a shelter indefinitely.

• They needed a male relative or sponsor to leave the island.

What was the 'kissing post' at Ellis Island?

• A place where immigrants received medical check-ups.

• A spot where immigrants met their relatives.

• A location for legal interviews.

• A waiting area for deportation.

Approximately how many immigrants passed through Ellis Island between 1892 and 1954?

• 8 million

• 15 million

• 5 million

• 12 million