2014.021

Purchase

Purchase

Museum Collections.

1924 - 1934

Date: 1924-1934

Excellent

Notes: Exhibition 2014: Hoboken, Ellis Island, and the Immigrant Experience, 1892-1924 ==== Text printed on back of card: H278 — (V23428) U. S. INSPECTORS EXAMINING EYES OF IMMIGRANTS, ELLIS ISLAND Look at the expression on the poor woman’s face. She is very much afraid that they may be rejected and that would be terrible to them. Very likely they sold everything they had in the world to get the money with which to come to America. If they were sent back they would have lost everything. The United States is very careful about whom it admits to this country. First every person must have a little money so he will not become a burden upon our people. Criminals and immoral people may not come in; neither may feebleminded or insane people. Everyone is examined carefully to see if he has any contagious disease. This officer is looking for ophthalmia, a disease of the eye that often results in blindness. After this they will go upstairs where they will be questioned as to their political views, for the United States admits no anarchists nor any others who will disturb the government. They must also be able to read and write. All this is good, but these examinations should take place on the other side before the people leave their homes. Then if they are rejected they can go on with the old life. If they are sent back from America, it is a serious matter. Some of our immigrants are the most ignorant of people to whom steamship agents have held out extravagant promises of the wealth they will obtain in America. Some come to earn money to take back home. Neither of these make desirable citizens. The best immigrants are the thinking people who come to make their homes in the land of freedom and opportunity. Copyright by The Keystone View Company. ==== ==== Original or Copy: Original Status: OK Status By: dw Status Date: 2014-05-11