Immigration: Are We There Yet?

Created by:  Mrs. McQuade, Mrs. Howard, Mrs. Casazza and Mrs. White
Grade 4
Shenendehowa School District

In 1892, Ellis Island opened in New York Harbor as the primary immigration depot in the United States.

Background information:

During the 1800-1900's millions of people emigrated to the United States.  Many of the people sailed into the New York Harbor.  They landed on Ellis Island.  There they had to go through many check-in lines so that they could be allowed to stay in the United States.  

Directions:

Part A.  You will be answering several questions about the experiences these immigrants had coming to Ellis Island. You will be looking at documents about this time period. Please ask your teacher for the worksheet you will need to write your answers.  Be sure to answer in complete sentences.  

Part B. When you are finished answering the questions about the documents, you will be asked to answer "The Big Question".  You should use facts from the documents, your worksheet answers, and your own knowledge to write your essay.

Part A

I.  People sailed from many countries to Ellis Island.

1.  What color represents the continent of Europe?
                                  
2.  How many people came to the U.S. from Poland?
      Click the picture to view the immigration graph.       
      Use the graph to answer question #2.
3.  How many women came to the U. S. aboard the SS Russia ship?
     Click the picture to view the ship's manifest.                    
     Use the manifest to answer question #3.
4.  How long was the journey for the passengers aboard the SS Russia bound for New York?
     Click the picture to view the ship's manifest.                    
     Use the manifest to answer question #4.
5.  Visit Ellis Island through the virtual tour. Answer each of the following questions concerning each stop on your virtual tour.
      Click on the picture to begin your virtual tour.            
    Click on the notepad to find the worksheet.
                                                                                    

 

II.  Immigrants faced examinations to pass through Ellis Island.

6.  What could an immigrant say on his examination that would cause him to be deported (sent back) to his homeland?

7.  Why do you think they asked the immigrants question #7 and #10 on the examination?

Click here for the answers to these two questions.

III. Passengers were interviewed about their memories of Ellis Island.

8.  Why was the boy's sister detained?

9.  How did the family feel while they were waiting?

Click here for the answer to these two questions
Be sure to scroll down the page and click on the boy's photo.(1.1MB)

 

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Part B

The Big Question:  When the immigrants came into Ellis Island they were frightened.  What were some of the fears the people had to face?  What were the obstacles they had to overcome?  In spite of so many problems, why do you think the immigrants still wanted to come to the United States?

Congratulations!!!!!!!

You'll make a great American citizen.