​National Immigrants Day Timeline

1990

Immigration Act of 1990

The Immigration Act passed, meaning that the president can now grant "temporary protected status" to immigrants in need.

1987

First ever National Immigrants Day

Congress formally recognized the first National Immigrants Day.​

​January 1, 1892

Ellis Island opened for business​

Ellis Island officially began processing immigrants into the country. ​

1620

The Mayflower

The Mayflower made it to America. Pilgrims traveled on the Mayflower in hopes of escaping the religious persecution they faced while living in England. ​