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Immigrant Processing at Ellis Island

Overview of Immigrant Hearings

• Immigrants who faced issues such as insufficient funds or prior imprisonment were not immediately rejected; instead, they could spend nights in dormitory rooms awaiting a special inquiry hearing.

• During the board of special inquiry hearings, immigrants had the opportunity to explain their circumstances to three inspectors who would assess whether they met legal entry requirements into the U.S.

• Approximately 10% of detained immigrants underwent these hearings, but most were ultimately permitted to enter the United States despite initial concerns.