The 29 Questions Asked at Ellis Island

Immigration inspectors used a standardized manifest questionnaire (29 items) to determine admissibility under the Immigration Acts of 1891, 1903, 1907, 1917, 1924. Core questions:

1. Name & surname
2. Age & birth date
3. Sex
4. Race/nationality
5. Last permanent residence
6. U.S. destination
7. Occupation
8. Money in possession ($25 minimum after 1909)
9. Joining relative/friend? (Name, address)
10. Ever convicted of crime?
11. Physical/mental disability?
12. Anarchist/polygamist/radical?
13. Literate? (Read/write any language)
14. Seeking asylum?
15. ... plus marital status, ability to work, prior U.S. visits, etc.

Answers were cross-checked with ship's manifest. Inconsistencies triggered deeper interrogation or Board of Special Inquiry hearing.