What was the experience of Ellis Island like for most immigrants?

Ellis Island could be an intimidating experience as clerks asked a battery of questions, trying to be sure that no physically or mentally ill people or trouble-makers were allowed into the country. They did not make life easy for anyone. Nevertheless, only about two percent of those who arrived at Ellis Island were actually turned away. Those who were not permitted to enter typically either carried disease or came across in some way as unlikely to be able to support themselves. The vast majority of immigrants passed through Ellis Island in less than a day and were allowed to enter the country.