Incredible Photos Of Immigrants Arriving At Ellis Island

Heartbreak Island

Immigrants were asked 29 questions upon their arrival at Ellis Island and given a medical inspection. Those with visible health problems or diseases were either deported or sent to one of the island’s hospitals. During that time, more than 3,000 would-be immigrants died from their health problems on the island.

Although 98 percent of immigrants were allowed to stay in the United States, Ellis Island was also known as “The Island Of Tears” and “Heartbreak Island” to those who had to return to their home countries after such long transatlantic trips. Outside the registry room, there was a “kissing post” a wooden column marking the area friends and relatives met with new immigrants.