Do I have a passport? Did I need to get a visa before I come? What sponsorship do I need? Do I need a work visa? If so, what do I need to do, and how much time do I have to do that?

(Yeah, please actual immigration historians only, please.)

Today's visa feels very different from how people came to Ellis island back then.

I read about people just arriving and getting work that same day or almost with meager savings. Were they illegal immigrants? Were visas to enter automatically work-eligible visas?

Most of the immigration laws seemed focused on what people did-- i.e. politics, prohibited classes but it is not clear how they would keep legal status and become permanent residents and citizens. I can't find clear mention of work or any distinction between tourist vs immigrant visas.