The work of award-winning journalist Jose Antonio Vargas explores the immigrant experience and the road to American citizenship.
Category Archives: Culture and Belonging
Stuck Between Two Cultures
Natalie Cardenas is like a lot of teenagers in the U.S. today — she feels wedged between two cultures. Natalie feels a strong connection to both her Peruvian heritage and her American identity, but somehow still feels a bit rejected by both.
How Culture Shapes Emotions
Our emotions, such as shame, are largely determined by the environment and people in which we are surrounded.
A beautiful voice and cultural bridge
How did a young African American boy from Oakland become a featured performer in Chinese opera? Find out what the cultures share.
Cross-cultural bonding leads to higher creativity
Read about a recent study that links in-depth cross-cultural relationships with higher scores on measures of creative thinking.
Cross-border life in Juárez, El Paso: Work, family—and long waits
A border between countries can symbolize a separation between cultures, but residents of the world’s largest urban border region get to enjoy the best that both nations have to offer.
Why Bilinguals Are Smarter
Most people would agree that learning another language has benefits. But this article highlights why people who are bilingual are more cognitively advantaged than those who speak just one language.
Ground-breaking support system creates a win-win for medically-trained immigrants, Minnesota
Find out how a group of immigrants from all over the world are working to overcome the obstacles that would prevent them from contributing meaningfully to their new home.
Immigrants and Refugees Are Among America’s 2017 Nobel Prize Winners
Each fall, the prestigious Nobel Prizes are awarded. Over the history of the awards, a substantial percentage of winners for the United States weren’t born here.
Naturalization Ceremonies
Constitution Day, observed every September 17th, is an occasion for citizenship ceremonies across the country. Watch a video about the ceremony and find out how students can participate.
Kids Interpreting Medical Information to Parents
Because the children of immigrants often develop a command of English before their parents do, kids frequently serve as interpreters. That necessity can sometimes put young people in difficult situations.
My Identity as Haitian-American Is an Asset, Not a Deficit
A college president reflects on ways in which cultural diversity strengthens our country.
Advantages of Being Bicultural
Culture and belonging aren’t all or nothing. Learn about the concrete benefits of identifying with two or more cultures.
Origins and Destinations of the World’s Migrants, 1990-2017
The interactive map at this link shows global immigration and emigration activity between 1990 and 2017.
UChicago research finds location plays critical role in assimilation of U.S. immigrants
This article highlights recent research that suggests immigrants assimilate into American culture in different ways in different parts of the country.
Hispanic Identity Fades Across Generations as Immigrant Connections Fall Away
Two recent studies conducted by the Pew Research Center indicate that fewer Americans are identifying as Hispanic or Latino than in the past. This article examines the reasons for this trend.
Indian Country Diaries: Pow Wow Culture
Pow wows are events in which Native Americans can express their cultural heritage through dance and foster a sense of community. Traditional pow wows have been around for hundreds of years, but a newer kind of intertribal event has become popular recently. Read about how the two forms coexist in today’s pow wow culture.
No, Where Are You Really From?
Click this link to read and hear about some of the experiences Americans have had when questioned about their cultural backgrounds and identities.
African immigrant population in U.S. steadily climbs
Read this article to learn about the recent rise in the number of African immigrants living in the United States.
Immigration, Migration, Identity at Center Stage in 2017 Smithsonian Folklife Festival
The annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington, D.C., highlights the cultural diversity of American communities. Read to learn more about this colorful event that brings many cultures together in the nation’s capital.