Table of Contents
How many immigrants were turned away at Ellis Island?
Despite the litany of guidelines for new immigrants, the number of people denied entry at Ellis Island was quite low. Of the 12 million people who passed through its doors between 1892 and 1954, only around 2 percent were deemed unfit to become citizens of the United States.
How many immigrants did Ellis Island handle in a day?
That day would be the busiest ever in the history of the famous immigration center, which processed an estimated 5,000 on an average day, according to the New-York Historical Society. And it wasn’t just a matter of one day.
How many people arrived on Ellis Island each day?
From 1900 to 1914—the peak years of Ellis Island’s operation—an average of 1,900 people passed through the immigration station every day. Most successfully passed through in a matter of hours, but others could be detained for days or weeks.
How many immigrants arrived at Ellis Island over the years it was in use?
twelve million immigrants
Between 1892 and 1954, more than twelve million immigrants passed through the U.S. immigration portal at Ellis Island, enshrining it as an icon of America’s welcome. That story is well known.
How long did most immigrants stay at Ellis Island?
Although the entire process included dozens of tests, questionnaires, examinations, and interviews, the average stay for an immigrant on Ellis Island was no longer than 5 days.
How many immigrants were processed daily at Ellis Island?
Ellis Island processed an average of 5,000 people per day. A total of 12 million immigrants passed through the island over the years. As the table below shows, more immigrants passed through Ellis Island at its peak than all other North American ports of entry combined.
How many years was Ellis Island used to process immigrants?
Ellis Island was not always the threshold of the immigrant dream. As a matter of fact, Ellis Island was only an immigrant processing station from 1892 until 1924 .
About 20 percent of the immigrants who arrived at Ellis Island were detained for one reason or another. Of this 20 percent, two percent were turned away for good. Immigrants had to pass many tests. In addition to medical and mental examinations, they also had to show they would not become a burden on society.