Coming to America:
Six Simple Steps
on Getting Through
Ellis Island
The first thing you will see is the beautiful, copper statue of Lady Liberty.So you’ve made the decision to leave your native country and come to America. It was probably a difficult decision to make, but you should be happy. You are on your way to a land of freedom and opportunity, a land that will welcome you with open arms provided that you are a healthy, self-supporting person with trade skills and the motivation to work hard. But before you get to the “Land of the Free,” many of you will be making a very important stop – Ellis Island. Seventy five percent of all immigrants (that’s you!) will have to struggle through Ellis Island for at least a few hours, if not more, to get to the mainland. Before you do anything, read this article so you know what to expect when you get there. If you don’t, you might find yourself on a ship headed back across the Atlantic Ocean to the homeland you tried so hard to leave.
Please note: If you are a first or second class passenger on your ship, you have absolutely nothing to worry about. An Ellis Island official will board your ship, ask you a few easy questions, and let you pass into America without any trouble. However, if you are among the majority of passengers (traveling in third class), carefully read through the steps below because they apply to you.
Step One: Aboard the Ship
While you are on board your ship, an official will approach you and ask you several questions about who you and your family are and what you plan to do in America. Answer these questions truthfully. The official will write your answers down in the ship’s manifest, which will be given to an officer at Ellis Island. You may also have to get some vaccinations while on board. These are a series of shots with medication to prevent you from getting any contagious diseases on board. Such diseases will prevent you from entering America.