The Immigrant

1

In expectation of what you're

going through

in a few moments you will be

directed upstairs to

complete registration for

entry into the United States.

We're almost there.

The doctors are looking.

Try to hold it in.

You're just nervous.

Try to close you ears

and say a prayer,

to the Mother of God.

I will.

We'll find Auntie Edyta soon, and we'll

be safe. We'll be together.

We'll make our own families,

have lots of children.

Step forward, please.

Step forward.

Something is wrong?

You speak English?

Yes. She's my sister.

Is something wrong?

I'm very sorry, but she

may have lung disease.

No. No, no, no. She's healthy.

I am nurse.

She has to be examined further.

She could be contagious.

- No. She's healthy.

- Ewa? What are they saying?

Come with us.

Where are you taking her?

She will be held in our infirmary

here for six months.

If she doesn't improve

in that time,

she has to be deported.

- No, no.

- Ewa, it's all right. Go without me.

Back in line.

She doesn't go back.

We never go back.

Magda!

I promise, I'll get you out!

Welcome to the United

States of America. Next?

- Your name, please?

- Ewa Cybulska.

Where are you from?

Katowice. In Silesia.

- Poland?

- Yes.

Married or single?

I'm not married.

Mhmm

They took my sister.

I can not bring here.

We are not dealing with your sister

right now, ma'am. Understood?

What was your occupation

in Poland?

I was a nurse, for an

English diplomat.

Have you ever committed

a any kind of crime?

No. Please, where is

the infirmary?

Well, it says here on the manifest

that you had a problem on the ship.

That you may be a woman

of low morals. Is that true?

No, that is not true.

- It's not true?

- No.

Do you have any money?

No. But my aunt and my uncle, they

live here, and they're waiting for us.

Here at this address?

Yes.

Well, apparently they didn't show,

and this address doesn't exist.

It's not valid.

What is not valid?

It doesn't exist.

Now, we do not allow unescorted

women into this country.

Especially, if there's

a question of low morals.

Due to your situation

I'm going to have to

designate you as liable to

become a public charge.

- You'll be held for a hearing.

- No.

And most likely, deportation.

I'm sorry.

Next! Next! Next!

Good morning, I'm Bruno Weiss

from the Travelers Aid Society.

Do you speak English?

No?

I speak English.

- You speak English?

- Yes.

- Do you speak it well?

- Oh, yes.

- What's your name?

- Ewa Cybulska

A pleasure to meet you.

Bruno Weiss.

What about her?

Liable to become, "public charge."

She arrived with her sister

who was quarantined for

lung disease.

- Best of luck to you.

- Sir. Can you help me?

Ma'am, you are in the

exclusion line.

Yes.

Did they explain to you

what that meant?

Yes.

They're sending you back.

No, no. I can work.

You know this man, you

talk to him.

You have already been processed.

Their decision has been rendered.

There is very little I can do.

Please. Please?

- Please. Please?

- One moment.

Please.

The last ferry to the city

leaves in ten minutes.

This gentleman will escort

you outside.

I cannot be seen leaving with you.

But I will see you out there.

Do you understand?

Yes.

Well, good luck to you.

Step this way please, ma'am.

Last call for the ferry to New York.

Let's go, let's go.

You're a very lucky lady.

Good afternoon Mister Weiss.

You just made it.

Howard, thank you.

There's room in the front.

Upon docking in Battery Park,

if you have questions about further

destinations go directly to the large office.

Right here.

What's the matter?

I leave my sister here.

You do not worry. She will get

the best medical care available.

Do you have a place to stay?

No.

Do you know somewhere?

Yeah, I know a place.

If you would like,

I can take you there. Yes?

Yes.

You want me to take your satchel?

Come on.

Hey! Watch out!

I speak Yiddish.

People here don't mess with me.

Come on.

Right here, you can get comfortable.

Come on.

Hi, Mister Bruno.

Hi, Sonja.

Where's your mother?

Right there, she is sleeping.

Sonja, this is Ewa.

Ewa, Sonja.

Hi.

Juante and Sonja.

It is comfortable.

There's a toilet in the middle

of hall, with plumbing.

You can sew right back here.

I don't know if you can

sew, but it's a job.

I have some papers here for you.

Please Miss, in order to receive aid.

I'll need you to fill out these forms.

Name, date of birth, country of origin,

etcetera. It's fairly self explanatory.

If you need my help,

I'll just be in here. Excuse me.

My little angel.

Hi.

Have you been practicing?

Yes.

That's good.

Do you need some help?

Maybe I come back

tomorrow, for sewing.

I thought you said you

had nowhere to stay.

Young lady, it's

dangerous out there.

As long as you earn your keep,

you're welcome to stay here.

Right there if you like.

I don't mean to be rude,

but I have some business to take care of.

When your mother wakes up,

will you tell her I'm at the theater?

- Yes.

- Thank you.

I'm sure you're very tired.

I can help you feel comfortable

if you decide to stay.

Good night.

He likes you. I can tell.

Is he your father?

No. We live across the hall.

Good morning.

You slept over thirteen hours.

I received a telegram this morning.

It's about your sister.

Can you read English?

Yes.

Tuberculous is a very bad disease.

Of course you'll have to

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