118: “The Island of Hope and Tears:” Ellis Island
History That Doesn't Suck
00:00
The Italian Emigrant Handbook
This same year that sees over one million emigrants pass through ellis island also sees the passage of another emigration act. Congress increases the reasons for which we could get rejected, while also placing the burden of cost for returning any turned away emigrants to europe on the shipping company that brought them. As such, these companies are doing health inspections to try and turn away any one who would get rejected at ellis island. And mandatory vaccinations are happening right here. Ah, yep. Just as we thought those foe vax cards wouldn't have spared us a thing. Meanwhile, german steamships make passengers sit tight for a two week quarantine. But coming from italy,
Transcript
Play full episode
