Final answer:
Ellis Island and Angel Island were two major entry points for immigrants entering the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Ellis Island primarily received European immigrants, while Angel Island processed Asian immigrants, particularly Chinese. The conditions for immigrants at each location differed in terms of location, processing procedures, and housing.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ellis Island and Angel Island were two major entry points for immigrants entering the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. While both served as processing centers, there were several key differences in the conditions for immigrants at each location.
Ellis Island:
- Location: Ellis Island was located in New York and primarily received European immigrants.
- Processing: Immigrants who could afford first or second class tickets received a cursory inspection aboard the ship and were able to bypass Ellis Island. Those in steerage class, however, were required to undergo medical examinations and answer a list of questions. The medical exams were aimed at preventing the introduction of contagious diseases, with the worst test being for trachoma, which required having one's eyelids inverted.
- Housing: Those who passed the medical exams and interviews were allowed to disembark and were provided proper sleeping quarters.
Angel Island:
- Location: Angel Island was located in California and primarily processed Asian immigrants, particularly Chinese.
- Processing: Immigrants detained on Angel Island often faced lengthy waiting times, sometimes weeks, months, or even years, before entering the US or being deported. The interrogation questions were purposely challenging and included obscure details about Chinese villages and family genealogies, making it difficult for immigrants to answer correctly.
- Housing: Men and women were housed separately and spent most of their time waiting in the barracks during their detention.