Final answer:
Before 1954, immigrants entering New York City were processed at Ellis Island, which operated from 1892 until its closure. Screening procedures were in place for the millions that passed through, with rigorous checks mainly for passengers in steerage.
Step-by-step explanation:
Prior to 1954, immigrants arriving in New York City had to go through Ellis Island to enter the United States. Opened in 1892, Ellis Island served as the nation's busiest immigrant inspection station. An estimated 12 million individuals passed through Ellis Island during its years of operation, which ended in 1954. Immigrants were subject to a screening process by officials that could include medical examinations and a series of questions to determine eligibility for entry into the country. While first and second class ticket holders could often bypass the in-depth inspections at Ellis Island, steerage passengers had to go through rigorous checks. Despite facing challenges such as language barriers and poverty, these individuals often settled in New York City and other urban centers, forming vibrant communities that contributed to the cultural mosaic of the United States.