Page 51 - All About History - Issue 59-17

Bluffer’s Guide
1924 1954
The Immigration Act
introduces quotas
for immigrants
causing Ellis
Island’s function
changes to that
of a detention and
deportation centre.
ElliS iSlAnd
What was it?
A small islet in the shadow of the Statute of Liberty,
Ellis Island was the entry point for millions who sought
to start a new life in America for over 60 years. Facing
an unprecedented wave of new arrivals at the turn of the
century, the government established Ellis Island as the first
federal immigration inspection station.
Between 1892 and 1924, it is estimated that around 12
million people entered the United States through Ellis
Island. However, not all new arrivals to New York City went
through the famous facility. The authorities believed first-
and second-class steamship passengers were less likely to
become a public charge so they only underwent a cursory
inspection aboard their ships before passing through
customs. Only the poorest immigrants, who travelled in
steerage class, were transported to Ellis Island to undergo
through medical and legal inspection.
If an immigrant’s papers were in order and they were in
good health, the process would last three to five hours. But
sick passengers could be detained on the ‘Island of Tears’
until they recovered and passengers ran the risk of being
deported if they failed to meet an inspector’s standards.
Why did it happen?
The high volume of immigration to the United States at
the turn of the 20th century was driven by numerous
factors, including political instability and an economic
downturn in Europe. Improvements in steam power also
improved travel in the late 19th century, shortening the
journey from 15.5 days in 1838 to just 4.5 by 1907.
Up until 1892, US immigration was handled at the state
level but the unprecedented number of arrivals forced the
federal government to intervene. They moved New York’s
entry point to Ellis Island as its size allowed it to process
more people and it provided an area to assess immigrants
before they reached the mainland.
Eventually, so-called ‘nativist’ politicians introduced new
restrictions to stem mass migration, such as the 1921 Quota
Laws and the 1924 National Origins Act. This signalled the
death knell for Ellis Island as an entry point. After 1924, it
only held those who had problems with their paperwork,
war refugees and other displaced persons.
Who was involved?
Benjamin Harrison
1833–1901
The 23rd president of the United States was
responsible for choosing Ellis Island as the
new Federal immigration site.
William Williams
1862–1947
As federal commissioner for the port of New
York, he was stationed on Ellis Island and
tried to rid the facility of corrupt practices.
The Ellis Island
centre is closed for
good, with many Annie Moore
other facilities 1874–1924
from around the Moore is remembered as the first passenger
country having
since taken up to have been registered on Ellis Island at the
its function. age of 17 after travelling from Ireland. © Alamy
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