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: Here we have J.H. Adams's photograph, "Races, Immigration," taken at the New York City Immigrant Station. The sepia tones and stiff poses give it a somber feel. What narratives do you see unfolding here? Curator: This image powerfully encapsulates the anxieties surrounding immigration at the turn of the century. Consider the stark contrast between the family, likely deemed "deportable," and the group of men, the "contract laborers" allowed entry. What does this division say about who was valued, and who was excluded based on race, class, and perceived economic contribution? Editor: So, it's a commentary on the selective nature of immigration policies? Curator: Precisely. Adams’s photograph exposes the systemic biases embedded within the immigration process, prompting us to question the very notion of who gets to belong and the long-lasting impact of those decisions. Editor: That gives me a lot to think about regarding power and privilege. Curator: Indeed, and how it continues to shape our society today.