Races, Immigration: United States. New York. New York City. Immigrant Station: Regulation of Immigration at the Port of Entry, United States Immigrant Station, New York City. c. 1903

Curator: This is a fascinating photographic print by J.H. Adams, titled "Races, Immigration: United States. New York. New York City. Immigrant Station: Regulation of Immigration at the Port of Entry, United States Immigrant Station, New York City". It depicts the immigrant experience. Editor: Wow, it feels so stark and unsettling. The grainy texture makes it look like a forgotten memory, a collective anxiety hovering in the air. Curator: Indeed. This image offers insight into the institutional processing of immigrants in New York City, a key port of entry. We can see the divisions made. Editor: Right, the separation—one side says, "Group of Those to be Deported," the other "Excluded Men and Women, Paupers, Convicts, Etc." It’s like seeing humanity sorted, judged, categorized. Curator: Exactly. These images invite us to consider how policy and societal perception shape the lives of individuals seeking new opportunities. Editor: It's heavy. It’s a reminder of how bureaucratic processes can strip away dignity and turn people into just another statistic. But even in that starkness, I see resilience. Curator: Ultimately, this photograph serves as a historical document and prompts us to reflect on the ongoing complexities of immigration and its impact. Editor: For me, it's a powerful visual poem about hope, displacement, and the constant human quest for a better life, despite the barriers.