Changing perspectives

Mention the word “immigration” and you’re likely to get some passionate responses. Throughout history, it seems immigration has been a hot topic in America.

Of course, most American families have immigrant roots. And many ethnic groups – from the Irish to the Chinese to Latinos – have faced prejudice while trying to make a better life for themselves in this “Land of Opportunity.” But when they came, how they got here and from where they came seem to be big parts of the complex puzzle that figures into public views on the topic.

One of several major changes being unveiled this year at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, the Indiana Town Hall Series aims to give visitors the opportunity to listen and interact with experts on enduring, yet contemporary issues.

“The IHS decided to tackle the topic of immigration this spring because it is both historic and timely,” said Erin Kelley, coordinator of IHS Public Programs. “Questions about who should be ‘allowed’ into America, how communities will absorb new ethnic groups and how Americans will define themselves in a pluralistic society have existed since before America became a country. (Ben Franklin once lamented that America was losing its Anglo roots to all those German immigrants!)”

This spring, the IHS will explore immigration in three separate programs from the perspectives of the past, present and future. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how “today’s problems” have actually been debated throughout our state’s and nation’s history. This series will encourage audience members to learn about the historic nature of immigration (and immigration debates), how communities are currently dealing with new immigrants, and what the future holds for America (and Indiana) as larger numbers of immigrants are woven into our society.

“All countries experience immigration, but America is special; it has been the dream land for millions and continues to be so,” Erin said. “By exploring the historical roots of how immigration policy developed, how current thinkers and leaders and dealing with immigration, and what we all need to consider as even more diverse groups of immigrants move to Indiana, we can better deal with the changes taking place in our communities and work together to find sensible and humane answers to today’s immigration issues.”

-------------------------------------
Indiana Town Hall Series

Immigration: The Past
Tuesday, Feb. 19, 7 p.m.
Free

From economic factors to quota debates and varying cultural adaptations to life in America, many of the hotly contested immigration issues of today are the same issues of yesterday. The “past” immigration program, will explore the historical similarities surrounding the immigration debate, as well as how America’s sense of ethnic identity and gate keeping responsibilities have been shaped by the issue. Different immigration trends from yesterday and today will also be discussed by a distinguished panel of historians including James Divita (Marian College) as moderator, Gary Gerstle (Vanderbilt University), Erika Lee (University of Minnesota) and sociologist Nancy Foner (Hunter College, CUNY).

Immigration: The Present
Thursday, March 20, 7 p.m.
Free

The “present” discussion on immigration swarms around the influx of Latino, particularly Mexican, immigrants into America. The goal of this session will be to examine the current “crisis” with emphasis on myths, realities, common concerns and current efforts to firmly yet humanely enforce America’s immigration laws. The session will be moderated by John Clark of the Sagamore Institute and will feature panelists with cultural and political insights into today’s immigrants, such as Allert Brown-Gort of Notre Dame University, immigration attorney Angela Iza Adams, and Rev. Felipe Martinez of the Indianapolis Latino Pastors Alliance and Whitewater Valley Presbytery.

Immigration: The Future
Thursday, April 17, 7 p.m.

As immigrants from around the world continue to look towards America as a refuge, how will we deal with their numbers, languages, and cultural differences? What does America, and Indiana, need to do to prepare for the future and effectively deal with the needs of new immigrant communities? This final program will bring together community leaders in education, business, and politics to discuss of the future of immigration.

Presented by

Media partners