If one goes to Ellis Island the Park Rangers describe the questions an entrant would be asked. Several of the questions determine if the entrant would be a burden on the public assistance programs available at that time. If the entrant could not prove they had a job waiting for them or had skills they would not be admitted. Only passengers in Third Class or Steerage would even have to go to Ellis Island. First and 2nd Class passengers got off the boat in Manhattan and were free to go because the fact they could afford such a ticket was proof they were not going to be a welfare burden.
My parents were LEGAL IMMIGRANTS, they presented themselves
to a US Consulate in their home country, obtained a entry visa,
presented proof of financial viability (or a letter of sponsorship
from a US citizen, or a job commitment in other cases), passed a physical examination, was subjected to a literacy test and paid their own passage to the US.
Where they were once again examined, inspected, documented and
finally allowed to follow their own way to find the American dream.
Immigrants to this country are to follow the LAW !
That’s what we expect and it’s what we demand !!