Medical Inspections

At the harbor, first and second class passengers were allowed to remain onboard as U.S. Public Health Service officials conducted medical examinations. Third class, or “steerage,” passengers disembarked and traveled by ferry to the Immigration Station to be processed. As they made their way through the lines, health officials watch for any signs of physical or mental illness. This became known as the “six-second physical.” Those suspected of being ill were marked with chalk and received further inspection. If ill, they were moved to the Main Hospital for treatment or were deported. Although doctors and nurses treated many individuals, it was the Immigrant Inspectors who made the final decision to deport.