Some of the reasons why immigrants were detained on Ellis Island include:
* Health concerns: Immigrants who were suspected of having contagious diseases, such as tuberculosis, were detained on Ellis Island until they could be examined by a doctor. If they were found to have a disease, they were deported.
* Lack of money: Immigrants who did not have enough money to support themselves in the United States were also detained on Ellis Island. If they were able to find a sponsor who could provide financial assistance, they were allowed to enter the country.
* Criminal record: Immigrants who had a criminal record were detained on Ellis Island. They were then either deported or allowed to enter the country on a conditional basis.
* Other reasons: In some cases, immigrants were detained on Ellis Island for other reasons, such as being unable to speak English or having a physical disability. These individuals were often deported, but some were allowed to enter the country with the help of social services agencies.
Ellis Island was a busy place during the early 20th century, with over 1 million immigrants passing through each year. Of those immigrants, about 2% were detained. The majority of those who were detained were eventually released into the United States, but some were deported.