We Are Home: Who Decides Who is an “American”?

Immigrants to America have always faced resistance, and have always-over time-assimilated and become vital parts of America. This is a process as old as the nation itself, and it can't be stopped, no matter how many-or how few-new immigrants arrive every year.
Leading into November, many people believe we’re in a particularly fraught political moment where “America First'' is threatening their security, and heating up the 2024 presidential election. So what does it mean to be an immigrant in the 21st century? And who decides who is “American” enough?
“On Shifting Ground” host Ray Suarez has criss-crossed the country to speak to new Americans from all corners of the globe, and to record their stories for his new book. Join us for a special conversation, as Suarez shares what he learned while reporting and writing We Are Home: Becoming American in the 21st Century.
He will be in conversation with Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Jose Antonio Vargas, founder and president of Define American, and veteran journalist Shereen Marisol Meraji, assistant professor at UC Berkeley’s School of Journalism.
Photos courtesy the speakers.
July 9, 2024
Speakers
Ray Suarez
Host, "On Shifting Ground"
Shereen Marisol Meraji
Assistant Professor, UC Berkeley’s School of Journalism
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[@BenSmith-mg5jv]

Once you are a LEGAL citizen YOU ARE AN AMERICAN! NO ONE DECIDES! We are a nation of laws NOT men. NO one gets to decide, NO MATTER HOW MUCH far too many of my white Str8 male brethren would wish to.