People arriving at Ellis Island from its creation in 1892 until Immigration Act of 1924 were hopeful immigrants. Around 2% of immigrants were sent home after arriving at Ellis island, so denial was a constant fear during the journey to America. Those who officials deemed unable to support themselves, amongst other reasons, would be denied access to the US and sent back home.

After the Immigration Act of 1924, immigration was handled very differently. Ellis Island was no longer the point of decision, but simply processing people who were already approved immigration. This is because the Immigration Act of 1924 started the process of applying for immigration at foreign embassy rather then on arrival.