Ellis Island Closed to Immigration in 1954—Now a Museum

No immigrants have been processed at Ellis Island since November 3, 1954, when the last detainee was released. The facility ceased operations as immigration policy shifted and air travel reduced sea arrivals. Today, Ellis Island is part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument and houses the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, preserving the stories of the 12+ million who passed through its doors. It stands as a symbol of American immigration history, not an active border station.