![]() ![]() This guide will list all major collections of immigration records that can be found online, but it's important to note that not all immigration records are online. Immigration record keeping has evolved throughout history, and the Port of New York has seen several major immigration processing facilities, each with different record-keeping procedures and availability of records. ![]() On land, several points along the Canadian border are official immigration stations, but only beginning in 1895. The Port of New York in New York City was (and still is) the only official seaport entry into the state. New York immigration records document the arrival of individuals from foreign countries in New York State. ![]() If they were aware of any of these terms then they may have been a communist, anarchist or bigamist and they were questioned in greater detail.The growth of New York State has been greatly influenced by immigration from countries all over the world. One hundred years ago, most people would not have been familiar with the terms communist, anarchist or bigamist.The correct answer would have been: “What is a communist?”, "What is an anarchist?" and “What is a bigamist?” If a person answered ‘no’ to any of the questions they were put aside for further questioning. They did this by asking some rather ingenious questions: “Are you a communist?” “Are you an anarchist?” and “Are you a bigamist?” If a person answered ‘yes’ to any of the questions, they were rejected. Immigration officials also turned away communists, anarchists and bigamists.It is rumored that when Charlie Chaplin arrived here as an immigrant he walked up the stairs on his hands. Doctors were stationed around all sides and at the top to see if anyone had difficulty with the stairs. This could be due to health issues (especially a fairly common eye disease called trachoma, which led to blindness), mental illness or lack of sufficient funds for immigrants to support themselves.Įvery immigrant also had to walk up these stairs at Ellis Island. The most common reason for rejection was a concern by immigration officials that the person may become a ward of the state. Official statistics suggest about 2% of immigrants were rejected and sent home. Not all immigrants were successful in entering the United States.Anyone who had ancestors who arrived anywhere in North America in the forty-year period between roughly 18 should consider checking the Ellis Island immigration records.Even immigrants to Canada could have chosen New York City as their port of entry (many crossings at the border between Canada and the US were totally open and had no customs or border officials). ![]() For many immigrants, New York City was the cheapest and most convenient port of entry to North America regardless of their final destination.The small island just below Ellis Island is the Statue of Liberty. Vessels carrying immigrants from Europe would sail up the Hudson River from the ocean and dock at Ellis Island. Ellis Island is marked with the pin showing its location relative to New York City. ![]()
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