The Immigrant

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 pay for her care somehow.

I can get her off the island. Whether she's cured or not.

I know people.

It will be difficult and costly, but it can be done.

I gave them this address, of course.

So your sister will be able to send you letters.

You could use a wash.

There is a bath house across the street. It's easy to find.

Come, come doves! Up, up, up!

Good morning, my Bruno!

Good morning! It's raining today. Let's hope it rains money!

Okay!

- Come on, let's go! - We have lots of money to make.

I'm sorry. You're in a difficult situation.

I need to work.

I can take you to my place of business. It's a theater.

We could always use a seamstress down there.

- But you need a bath. - Yes.

All right.

Belva!

Good morning.

What are you doing?

- What? - Good morning, Bruno.

You have to hurry, we have rehearsals at eleven. Let's move.

I'm going.

It's from Bruno.

Here.

Like this.

Here.

Eat it all.

Thank you.

Get a little meat on your bones, for New York winter.

You come by yourself?

No, with my sister.

She's still on the island.

You could get her off with money.

Bruno helped me get my brother out of there.

He can fly off the handle every now and then. But he's a real good employer.

But it will take a lot of money to get her out of there.

Or a lot of fucking.

Of course, you could always wait for some "White Knight" to come along.

Or your could steal.

As long as you don't mind being beaten to death when they catch you.

Maybe you work with us at Bandit's Roost.

Yes? Is Bruno's place.