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

Editor: This is a photograph 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" by J. H. Adams. It depicts what appears to be immigrants arriving in New York. The sepia tone gives it a historic feel, but the sheer number of people waiting is striking. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I see a stark visual representation of power dynamics inherent in immigration. The image, likely taken at Ellis Island, isn’t just about arrivals; it’s about regulation, control, and the gaze of the state. The way immigrants are herded and processed speaks volumes about early 20th-century attitudes towards newcomers. What questions does it raise for you about immigration then and now? Editor: It makes me think about the idea of the American Dream and who gets to pursue it. And how the process might strip people of their individuality. Curator: Precisely. This image invites us to consider how historical policies and practices continue to shape contemporary debates around immigration, identity, and belonging.