had more amenities on their journey at the same time ticket prices dropped an $850.00 the journey cost an average annual wage by 1900 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 management passengers in 3rd class were made to submit to a rigorous screening process. the initial interview took only a few minutes the medical exam was an ordeal this was what decided who would have