United States
Ellis Island opened on January 1, 1892, serving as the primary federal immigration station for the United States. Over the next decades, more than 12 million immigrants passed through its facilities seeking entry and examination. The station standardized inspections and medical screenings as the federal government took a larger role in immigration policy. Ellis Island became a symbol of opportunity as well as the challenges newcomers faced. Processing procedures evolved over time with changing laws and national security concerns. The site now operates as a museum that interprets immigration history and its role in shaping the nation.
