This was not made by the Edison studios. It was filmed by Billy Bitzer fo Mutoscope. The issue of immigration was a sensitive one as the US tightened the screws and Ellis Island became as much a detention centre as a lace of welcome. What this shot film catches is the melancholy condition of the emigrants/immigrants. (both words were used). They certainly do not look anything like day-trippers.
Review of Arrival of Immigrants, Ellis Island
