The Ellis Island immigration process involved a quick medical screening, often called a "six-second physical," for contagious diseases and disabilities, followed by a legal interview where inspectors asked up to 29 questions about identity, finances, and background. Most immigrants passed within hours, but some faced detention for health issues or suspected dependency (becoming a "public charge"), leading to deportation, while others were released to travel inland via barge or train.


No, most immigrants arriving at Ellis Island in its peak years (late 1800s-early 1900s) did not speak English, creating a "Tower of Babel" atmosphere, but interpreters were crucial for processing, and literacy tests were introduced later, requiring some English for naturalization

Went there when it was still open to the public like in the 6th grade

that's why so many last names were butchered

Yeah if they couldn't pronounce it. They just gave you a new

they changed my italian side of the family's last name to a shortened version lol

they changed my italian side of the family's last name to a shortened version lol

did they learn english

they changed my Italian name to a Hispanic last name and everyone my whole life has assumed I'm Hispanic. Not that there's anything wrong with being Hispanic but certainly there's something wrong with being perceived to be something you're not. No one else in my family gives a shit about this issue except me and they make me out to be some black sheep over the matter.

what if you're actually Hispanic but they told you you're Italian

Because you probably never been to Italy or even speak Italian, so they see you crying over an issue that affects you in no way.

same