Ellis Island Immigration Years: 1892–1954

Ellis Island operated as the U.S. federal immigration station from January 1, 1892 to November 12, 1954.

By the Numbers

• 12+ million immigrants processed.
• Peak decade: 1900–1914 (~1 million/year).
• First arrival: Annie Moore (Ireland), Jan 1, 1892.
• Last arrival: Arne Peterssen (Norway), 1954.

Phases

• 1892–1924: Open-door (with health/legal screening).
• 1924–1954: Quota laws, detention, deportation focus; also WWII POW/ enemy alien processing.

Today it's a National Museum of Immigration.