Ellis Island the arrival

Arrival Procedures at New York Harbor

Health Inspections for Immigrants

• Upon arrival in New York Harbor, health officers conducted inspections to identify signs of disease before allowing passengers to disembark.

• First and second class passengers who were deemed healthy were processed immediately and permitted to enter the United States without going through Ellis Island.

• Other passengers, typically those in lower classes, faced delays and had to wait for small ferries that transported them to Ellis Island.

• The waiting period could extend for days, highlighting the disparity in treatment between different classes of travelers.

• This process reflects the broader immigration policies and health concerns prevalent during that era.