Legal Immigration Historical Contrast

Seems to be quite a contrast in the early 1900's immigration and the present in attitudes and implementation of controls and assimilation.

Take a look at this Ellis Island medical examination.
Keeping disease out of the country was as important then as now. Obviously not a pleasant experience, but the trials and tribulations of immigration were worth the price of admission to America. Add terrorisim to the mix and our reasons and need for legal processing are clear.

I think we've lowered the price of admission far too much in the last half century, and yet illegal immigrants are still sneaking in, unwilling to go through the process of being lawfully admitted, and hurting the image and understanding of immigrants in general. Our lax policies, including several amnesties since '65 have probably caused the general change in the motivation of illegals. Why wait in line if you can likely cut in front of the line with little or NO penalty, but actually gaining a fast track to citizenship with the generally anticipated Next amnesty plan.