Historic Legal Inspection (2nd Floor)

Today's view of where initial legal inspections were conducted.

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Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits

Inspectors behind desks asked immigrants their name, home town, occupation, destination, and amount of money they carried. Those allowed to pass continued downstairs. Those detained for additional legal examination waited for an opportunity to explain further in the Board of Special Inquiry room, where their Hearing would be held. About one percent would be denied admission for violation of America laws. Watching the clock? Come back and read the legal question sections later if needed. There's only one more stop - it's the Stairs of Separation. When you are ready, walk toward the center stairs on the west side of the Great Hall.

Will You Become A Public Charge?

Any immigrant deemed "liable to become a public charge" was denied entry to the United States. To Ellis Island inspectors, this clause (which has been a cornerstone of federal immigration policy since 1882) designated those who appeared unable to support themselves and were therefore likely to become a burden on society. Influenced by American welfare agencies that claimed they were being overwhelmed by requests for aid from impoverished immigrants, the Ellis Island inspectors carefully weighed the prospects of new arrivals, especially those of women and children intending to rejoin husbands and fathers in this country.

Do You Have A Job?

This question posed a dilemma for immigrants. The Alien Contact Labor Law of 1885 excluded all immigrants who came to the United States under contract for work. The law was meant to stop the importation of cheap labor, but was applied even to immigrants who had jobs promised to them through relatives or friends. Immigrants had to convince inspectors that they were able and willing to work and were not "liable to become public charges, yet they could not admit that they had a job waiting for them.

Are You A Woman Traveling Alone?

Immigration officials detained escorted women and children until their safety was assured once they left Ellis Island. A telegram, letter, or prepaid ticket from waiting relatives was usually required before detained women and children would be sent on their way. Single women could not leave Ellis Island with a man who was not related to them. When a fiance and his intended were reunited at Ellis Island, their marriage was often performed right on the island. Then they were free to leave.

What If You Don't Speak English?

Many immigrants described the Registry Room, which frequently echoed with the sounds of many languages, as a "Tower of Babel." Ellis Island inspections were assisted by interpreters who were fluent in major languages and any number of obscure dialects. The interpreters were rarely stumped, but often they had to try several languages before comprehension would finally light up an immigrant's face.