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 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, part of the Harvard Art Museums collection. Editor: It feels very stark, almost like a stage set. The light and shadow create a real sense of drama, or perhaps apprehension. Curator: Indeed. Note the stark contrast between the immigrants and the officials. The photo highlights the power dynamics inherent in the immigration process, part of a larger history of immigration regulation in the US. Editor: And look at the materiality of the clothing, the wear on the luggage. These details speak volumes about the immigrant experience, the labor and cost involved in migration. Curator: Absolutely. The image implicates the viewer in this history, forcing us to consider our relationship to immigration policies. Editor: It's a potent reminder of the human element often obscured in discussions of immigration. The weight of those suitcases feels very real.