Final answer:
An immigrant family's experience at Ellis Island typically involved medical exams, interviews, and on the same day, they were either admitted to the U.S. or potentially denied entry. Only a small percentage were turned away due to health or legal issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
The experience of an immigrant family at Ellis Island can best be described as thorough and often stressful. Upon arrival, these individuals underwent medical examinations to prevent the spread of contagious diseases, including the invasive test for trachoma. Further, they faced a series of interviews where they were asked about their purpose in the U.S., and incorrect answers could lead to them being sent back home. Steerage passengers, in particular, faced checks that lasted several hours. Importantly, around 2% of immigrants were denied entry into the United States, usually due to medical or legal reasons.