Ellis Island opened in 1892-about 2 years after the federal government assumed control of immigration.
This was before Wong Kim Ark, which extended citizenship to children born of Chinese parents inside of the United States-if they lived in this country.
Citizenship had already been extended to freedmen, but wasn't granted to American Indians until the 20th century.
So most of the rules of the Naturalization Act of 1790 although amended several times in the interim, still applied at the time.
Stunning history there. Thank you for the additional info.
Perhaps I am guilty of romanticizing Ellis Island, the movies of the old movies from 40’s and 50’s were still popular and so pro-American and glorious when I was growing up.
Even the immigrants and refugees were portrayed as moral, grateful and fairly marveling at America.
Thanks. Rita