The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #51385

Alan Kraut, PhD, History, American University, 4400 Masschusetts Avenue NW, Washington DC, DC 20016, 202-885-2410, akraut@american.edu

For much of American history, immigration has been a state and local matter. The medical inspection of newcomers and care of those who needed it was undertaken by states and municipalities until the early 1890s. Only then did the federal government assume responsibility for inspecting and caring for newcomers. Facilities at Ellis Island and other depots were this country’s first line of defense of the public’s health. After 1924, these immigration depots diminished in importance as immigrant inspections were conducted abroad. However, the federal government has remained a major participant in determining who is fit and who is not fit to enter the United States. This paper will place that role into historical perspective.

Learning Objectives:

• To present an overview of the evolution of U.S. government policies on immigrants and refugees that relate to health status.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.