They had to pass a health check and be processed. They had to have skills.
My grandfather's family came to Ellis Island from Trieste around the turn of the last century. His aunt had an eye infection and the customs agents prevented her from entering the country; she had to board a boat back to Europe.
I took a tour of Ellis Island years ago. The tour guide explained what all would disqualify someone from coming in.
If only our country used those same standards today.
All my grandparents came to Ellis Island from Sicily. They had to jump thru the hoops like everyone else.
Was your grandfather’s aunt eventually able to come back?