Final answer:
The immigrants were asked many questions to test their language skills, assess their health conditions, and establish their identity. Any discrepancies in their answers could have negative consequences for their entry into the country.
Step-by-step explanation:
The immigrants were asked many questions for various reasons. Firstly, their answers were used to test their language skills. If their answers did not match the language skills required for entry, it could be a barrier. Additionally, the questions were asked to assess the health conditions of the immigrants. If an immigrant's answers were different from the answers on the ship's manifest, it could indicate that they had a contagious disease, which could lead to quarantine. Lastly, the questions were asked to establish the identity of the immigrants. Any discrepancies in the answers could raise suspicion and potentially cause issues with entry into the country.