Ellis Island Medical Exclusions: ~2% Deported for Illness

Approximately 2% of Ellis Island arrivals were denied entry and deported on medical grounds.

Common Excludable Conditions

• Trachoma (chlamydial eye infection) – leading cause; eyelid eversion test.
• Tuberculosis – active pulmonary cases.
• Favus (scalp fungus).
• Mental disability / "feeble-mindedness" – vague, often misapplied.
• Loathsome/dangerous contagious diseases (per 1891 Act).

Process

Marked cases went to Ellis Island Hospital (22 buildings). Treatable conditions (e.g., trachoma surgery) could be cured; then re-inspected. Incurable or "public charge" cases → deportation.

Of 12M+, ~240,000 medically excluded—most for trachoma.