How many immigrants were processed through Ellis Island?

History medium Data from 2024

Guess before you scroll — the answer is below

Answer in immigrants. Shorthand like 9m or 1.2bn works.

The answer

12,000,000 immigrants

Roughly 12M.

About 12 million people passed through Ellis Island between 1892 and 1954. Roughly 40% of Americans alive today have at least one ancestor who came through it. Contrary to family legend, inspectors did not rename anyone — names came from ship manifests written at departure.

Where this number comes from

Source U.S. National Park Service
Figure refers to 2024
Last checked
Unit immigrants

Numbers move. If this one has drifted from its source, let us know.

Think you can do better?

Five fresh questions every day. No account needed.

Play today’s puzzle

Related questions