[ladyinred]

I don't know if those who came here through Ellis Island had permission in advance to do so, but I do know when they got here, they became Americans. They worked, they learned the language, they contributed to the nation, they didn't just come here to suck the rest of us dry!!!

[eleni121]

The Ellis Island immigrants were also responding to poverty and the opportunity to work in America. Many factory owners actually had agents in Europe who would advertise and promote immigrants to come here to work.

Things back then were not much different from what is going on today with the exception of immigrants who were suffering from certain diseases and were sent back and the fact that there were few if any other restrictions on immigration.