November 12: Ellis Island Closes (1954)
Prayer Idea
Pray for people who have a desire or feel a need to move to another country.
History Note
In the late 1800s, thousands of Europeans were eager to move to the United States. At that time, state governments generally handled the process for welcoming new arrivals. U.S. government officials decided to build a new centralized immigration processing center.
In 1890 President Benjamin Harrison designated Ellis Island in New York Harbor as the location for this center. The new center officially opened on January 1, 1892.
Government officials wanted to make sure each potential immigrant was healthy, had enough money, and was not in trouble with the law in his or her home country. Twelve million people came through Ellis Island. About 2% of them were sent back home for various reasons, primarily related to health.
In the 1920s, the U.S. government passed laws that greatly limited immigration. The number of immigrants coming through Ellis Island decreased, and the center finally closed in 1954. Since 1990 the National Park Service has managed Ellis Island as a historic site open to visitors.
People awaiting processing at Ellis Island (c. 1906). Photo courtesy the Library of Congress.
Learn More
What was the immigration process like?
Find more resources at Homeschool History.
