Center for Clinical and Translational Science

September 27, 2012 to take a step back into time to hear about the medical screening process of immigrants. In preparation for the visit, the Scholars read about how the American Eugenics Movement influenced the medical evaluations at Ellis Island and the 1924 legislation that severely limited immigration from Eastern European countries.
 
Mr. Thomas Bernardin, a licensed tour guide, provided important historical information on American Immigration. 20 Million immigrants passed through Ellis Island before its closing in 1954. Immigrants had to pass what was known as the “six second medical exam” before they were allowed to enter New York. The exam began as soon as the immigrants walked up the stairs from the first floor to the second floor. The doctors watched as the immigrants climb the stairs, looking for trouble walking, weakness, heavy breathing, or signs of impaired mental health. Each person’s hair, face, neck and hands were rapidly examined. If an impairment was noted, the doctor wrote a letter in chalk on the individual’s clothing indicating further examination was needed. About 2 of 10 persons received one or more letter: “L”= Lameness, “PG” = pregnant, “X”= possible mental illness and “FI”= further investigation was needed. Depending on the letter designation, immigrants were either denied entrance or sent to the hospital on Ellis Island, a complex of 15 medical buildings located across the ferry dock from the main building. Patients received high quality care and many were able to enter the country after their illness was treated.