thanks to growing competition among shipping lines even 3rd class passengers soon had more amenities on their journey at the same time ticket prices dropped to $950.00 the journey cost an average annual wage by 1800 it was one month's income. families who couldn't afford to send everyone off and sent the men ahead 1st. but for those who hope to achieve the american dream there was still a hurdle to overcome ellis island island of hope and tears. passengers of well for social standing were allowed to step off the boat and go straight to manhattan passengers in 3rd class were made to submit to a rigorous screening process. the initial interview