Center for Advanced Study Initiative on Immigration - History and Policy "Nations of Immigrants"

• Event Date: Thursday, March 6, 2008
• Time: 4:00 pm (CST)
• Location: Knight Auditorium, Spurlock Museum, 600 S. Gregory St., Urbana, IL
• Cost: Free Admission

• Talk

Donna Gabaccia
Director, Immigration History Research Center, University of Minnesota

Even as it again debates immigration restriction, the United States is almost alone worldwide in proclaiming itself a "nation of immigrants." Many Americans wrongly assume that immigrants had a uniquely important role in the making of America. In fact, many nations have depended on migration to build their populations and workforces. And even the United States did not embrace this label until quite recently. Why do other nations not view themselves as "nations of immigrants?" And what exactly is it that Americans celebrate with this assertion of uniqueness? By acknowledging the global nature of international migrations, we can not only answer such questions but begin to assess the choices that create "nations of immigrants" and differentiate them from other nations created from populations of mobile foreigners.

Museum visitors are reminded that food and drinks are not allowed in the Museum. Backpacks and other large items brought to the Museum will have to be stored; there is limited locker storage space available for these items.