Inspection of hair for lice at Ellis Island Immigration Station, New York, early 20th century
Courtesy U.S. National Library of Medicine
At Ellis Island, immigrants’ hair was inspected for lice, which could spread typhus and other dangerous diseases. Only steerage (third- and fourth-class) passengers were transferred to the island for inspection. Passengers who could afford cabins were inspected onboard and were allowed to disembark without passing through Ellis Island.
