What did immigants do on Ellis Island?

* Registered with immigration officials. Upon arrival at Ellis Island, immigrants were required to register with immigration officials. This process included providing their name, age, sex, nationality, and destination.

* Were inspected by doctors. Immigrants were also inspected by doctors to ensure that they were not carrying any contagious diseases. Those who were found to be ill were quarantined until they were healthy enough to travel.

* Were interviewed by immigration inspectors. Immigration inspectors interviewed immigrants to determine if they were eligible to enter the United States. Inspectors asked questions about the immigrants' background, their reasons for coming to the United States, and their ability to support themselves.

* Were detained if necessary. If immigration inspectors had any doubts about an immigrant's eligibility, they could detain the immigrant for further investigation. Detained immigrants were held at Ellis Island until their cases could be decided.

* Were admitted to the United States or deported. After the immigration inspection process, immigrants were either admitted to the United States or deported. Those who were admitted were given a landing card, which allowed them to enter the country. Those who were deported were sent back to their home country.