No, that's incorrect. Upon disembarking the ship, all immigrants were screened by medical personnel. All those who failed the tests were returned to their Homeland. Those who passed the initial Health test were then given additional screening, and asked to declare their intentions. Once their intentions were declared there were many other forms and months, sometimes years, remaining before citizenship was granted, upon completion of studies and a written Test. Most immigrants learned to speak and write English, unlike today, as many people continue to speak their native tongue and refuse to learn English. All immigrants upon arrival had to renounce citizenship of their former Country and declare allegiance to the United States of America. Also, quite unlike today, most immigrants became PRODUCTIVE members of our Great America, and were NOT given free handouts.
Once they passed the tests they became legal citizens.
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