Citizenship the old way

My United States heritage is Scotch Irish. My ancestors most likely left for the United States from Liverpool, England. When they arrived in the U.S. they spent some time at Ellis Island for several reasons.

1. They were given a physical examination to see that they were healthy enough to earn their own way in this new country.

2. They had to be able to prove they had a sponsor, or a job.

3. The people of the U.S. (government) did not give them any money, a place to live or health care.

4. At least two museums I know of help prove this point, one in Liverpool, the other at Ellis Island.

This idea worked very well, as people of all races, creeds, colors and ethnicities immigrated to this great country legally and earned the right to become citizens of the U.S.

In my family we have had the privilege of sponsoring a young couple from behind the Iron Curtain. That was over 25 years ago. The husband has worked himself up in a school system in Spokane, and the wife has a full-time job in retail. They were legal aliens and are now proud Americans.

R.E. Walker

Spokane Valley