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ANSWERS: 5
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Here is a nice history: http://library.thinkquest.org/5101/brief.history.htm
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Basically, they were processed before being allowed to enter the USA. Their papers were checked to make sure that no undesirables got in (only marginally successful as Al Capone and Lucky Luciano got through lol) and also medically inspected to weed out tuberculosis and other contagious/infections diseases.
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They were 'processed' to work out if they suitable to be allowed to enter America- they had to pass a health check, and if they had certain problems their clothes were marked with chalk; they had show a certain level of intelligence, have a certain amount of money- to ensure they weren't going to need to be publically supported. (not a lot has changed there!) Women could not enter on there own without a father or husband to either meet them there or some got married to strangers on the island! People who failed the process for getting in were either sent back or stayed at Ellis island until they were medically fit for example. The museum on Ellis island is very interesting, I spent the whole afternoon there; you can also search for the records of immigrants who were processed there- I found my great grandmother's brother and his family's details to put in the American side of our family tree.
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They became my grandparents.
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Most started a new life. Some with new names, some with new hopes and some with new family. But all of them received hope and charity.
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