In my lifelong experience of textbook reading, I have noticed one key element that branches throughout all subjects and types of textbooks — the reading is dry and uninteresting. However, recently Mr. Stewart assigned us a reading for homework that actually caught my attention because I found it to be extremely interesting and insightful. This topic that I found quite fascinating was the process of immigration at the turn of the 20th century through Ellis Island.
First- and second-class European immigrant passengers easily disembarked at Hudson River piers in New York, only having to pass a quick onboard examination. For steerage passengers, immigrants who couldn’t afford cabins in the pleasant upper decks and had to sleep in the available area below the main deck, there was a second step in the immigration process which would require a small trip to the Ellis Island Immigration Station. At Ellis Island, steerage passengers would be directed by officers of the Bureau of Immigration through multiple buildings. After officials secured an identification tag to each immigrant outside the first building, each immigrant would walk into the building and up the stairs to the Registry Room, while being inspected by Public Health Service doctors through the “six-second exam,” in which doctors would pull aside people who showed signs of sickness or disability. Once immigrants reached the Registry Room, or Great Hall, they had to pass a physical examination, in which a doctor would mark the immigrant's clothing with chalk in a symbol for the disease or issue the immigrant had. Even worse however was the eye test which accounted for the most deportations, as anyone showing signs of trachoma, a contagious infection that could lead to blindness, would be immediately rejected.
First- and second-class European immigrant passengers easily disembarked at Hudson River piers in New York, only having to pass a quick onboard examination. For steerage passengers, immigrants who couldn’t afford cabins in the pleasant upper decks and had to sleep in the available area below the main deck, there was a second step in the immigration process which would require a small trip to the Ellis Island Immigration Station. At Ellis Island, steerage passengers would be directed by officers of the Bureau of Immigration through multiple buildings. After officials secured an identification tag to each immigrant outside the first building, each immigrant would walk into the building and up the stairs to the Registry Room, while being inspected by Public Health Service doctors through the “six-second exam,” in which doctors would pull aside people who showed signs of sickness or disability. Once immigrants reached the Registry Room, or Great Hall, they had to pass a physical examination, in which a doctor would mark the immigrant's clothing with chalk in a symbol for the disease or issue the immigrant had. Even worse however was the eye test which accounted for the most deportations, as anyone showing signs of trachoma, a contagious infection that could lead to blindness, would be immediately rejected.
Once immigrants passed the physical tests, they had to pass the legal interview, which consisted of a primary inspector asking 29 questions. One of these questions inquired if the immigrant already had work waiting for him or her in the U.S. The purpose of this question was due to the Foran Act, which ensured striking workers wouldn’t be replaced by immigrants by making it illegal for U.S. employers to promise work to foreigners. However, most immigrants weren’t aware of this act and wanted to prove that they would be able to succeed in America, and so reported that there was work waiting for them in America. This would result in detainment.
Looking back, I think the reason this topic piqued my interest is that this process of immigration is so often overlooked in American history, as many wars and governmental issues tend to overshadow something as simple as the steps to be able to live in the United States. But learning about something so intricate and seemingly minute gives a very personable, human-element that so much of the way we learn history is missing.
I believe that this system of deportation of immigrants at this time in history is somewhat shameful for our nation. America had been known to be the 'melting pot' of cultures, as it was a mix of many different people who were different ethnically or in their religious beliefs. However, the 1 specific question of the 29 about asking whether or not one had work waiting for them in America seems extremely unfair. As an immigrant, of course you would want to respond affirmatively so that you seem like you will contribute to American society. There is no reason for there to be a 'trick question' included in the survey.
ReplyDeleteI too have also found this topic interesting, also in previous years learning about West coast immigration processes. Many events and practices have left stains on the history of the United States, and immigration is one of those. It may be unique because it is still an ongoing struggle that questions how well were are upholding our founding ideals of equality, opportunity, and acceptance. Indeed America is often portrayed (or self-portrayed) as being a beacon of hope when anyone can come and make a life, and these restrictions and screening seem to be directly contradicting that vision. It is also interesting to note the difference in treatment of rich versus less wealthy Americans or soon to be Americans. It seems inequality between social class has been ingrained at every step in out history. **
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