Why did immigrants entering Ellis Island accept the new surnames given to them? Were they required for some government purpose? What would prevent immigrants from using their birth name or chosen name?

by imnotgonnakillyou
Georgy_K_Zhukov

Unfortunately there isn't really an answer here, as your question hits on a very common myth about American immigration, as names actually weren't being "Americanized" by the officials en masse at Ellis Island! /u/edhistory101 covers this nicely in this older answer. Changes happened, but they were generally by those holding the name, not forced upon them.