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Arun and Daniel compiled a list of frequently asked questions they themselves had regarding immigration and The Immigrant Experience web-site project. Check it out!
1. How did this project develop?
2. Why focus on immigration in New York City?
3. Why is immigration important now?
4. Why has New York City been the point of entry in the U.S.?
5. In what areas of NYC society are immigrants having the most influence?
6. How can I contribute my story?
7. Where are immigrants to NYC coming from?
8. Who is able to immigrate?
9. How can I find out more about the Lower East Tenement Museum and programs like Youth-Digital-Arts-In-Residence?
10. How can I find out more about La Lutta NMC and programs like Active-Knowledge-Youth Program?
1.How did this project develop?
The Lower East Side Tenement Museum, a community leader in promoting the positve impact immigration continues to play in New York City, developed this project through it's Youth-Digital-Arts-In-Residence program.They asked La Lutta NMC's Active-Knowledge-Youth program to partner with them to bring youth from all around the city to develop a multimedia project that would seek to explore the tremendous inbfluence immigrants have had on New York City.
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2.Why focus on immigration in New York City?
The millions of people who have emigrated to this country have played a fundamental and vital role in builidng the United States. Regonizing this fact and the fact that immigrants continue to be an important part of this country is a key component of this projects mission.
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3.Why is immigration important now?
Immigration has signficantly altered the character of this nation. It's immense influence on the country comes in various forms. The diversity that immigrants bring to New York City and the rest of this country is invaluable. Immigrants often set foot on American with nothing but their language, religions, beliefs, and customs. The exchange of such belief systems and ways of life has made New York City and America such a diverse population. Not only does immigration have the ability to help a nation grow culturally, but it also betters the lives of all Americans. Whether it be medicine, law, or technology, immigrants have had indispensible influences in all such posts.
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4. Why has New York City been the point of entry in the U.S.?
Ellis Island, in Upper New York Bay, opened as a federal immigration center on January 1, 1892. From that year until 1924, the island served as the point of entry for 16 million immigrants. In order to accommodate the influx of immigrants, the Island was enlarged with landfill and new buildings were added. The large registration room was the heart of the processing center. In 1924, with the passage of new laws curtailing immigration, Ellis Island's activity began to wane. The island was subsequently used primarily to detain deportees. In 1954, the Immigration and Naturalization Service moved its offices to Manhattan and Ellis Island was declared surplus property.
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5. In what areas of NYC society are immigrants having the most influence?
Immigrants in New York City have a tremendous influence in every aspect of society. And the influence is profound from art to industry the powerful impact of immgrants on New York City helps it to continue to grow and develop of leading city in the world. Also, immigrants from Italian masons in the early 20th century to present day El Salvadorian push-cart vendors are instrumental in shaping New York City back to top
6.How can I contribute my story?
We would love to hear about your experiences. You can either tell us your story in the feedback form at Contact, or you can email us at antonino@lalutta.org
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7. Where are immigrants to NYC coming from? According to the 2000 U.S. Census, the largest groups of immigrants are coming from China, South Asia, West Indies, Eastern Europe and Russia. There also has been a steady stream of immigrants from parts of West Africa, Central America and the Near East.
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8. Who is able to immigrate?
According to the Immigration and Naturalization Service, In most instances immigrating to the US is a two step process. That is because it takes so long to get the green card or permanent resident status and most immigrants don't want to wait several years to begin living and working in the USA Apart from family sponsorships, most US immigration is based on employment and this fact underlines the need for a two-step approach.
Normally then, the first step is obtaining a non-immigrant work visa. A "visa" is a document that allows a foreigner to enter the United States. By obtaining a work visa the foreigner can enter and work in the United States fairly quickly, usually within a few months if not sooner. The worker's family usually enters the US with the worker and is allowed to live in the US for the same length of time as the worker. Children are allowed to go to school although spouses are not allowed to take up jobs. Once the foreigner is established in the US he or she can initiate the paperwork to "adjust" to permanent resident status.
The second step is adjusting status from non-immigrant to immigrant status, that is, getting what is called a green card or permanent resident status. This usually takes a few years although it can be quicker in certain circumstances involving high placed executives or prominent individuals.
The most significant exception to this process is the spousal sponsorship where an American marries a foreigner and sponsors that spouse to immigrate to the US. This normally is done as a one step application.
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9.How can I find out more about the Lower East Side Tenement Museum and programs like Youth-Digital-Arts-In-Residence?You can visit the LES Tenement Museum Webste at www.tenement.org/faq.html
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10.How can I find out more about La Lutta NMC and programs like Active-Knowledge-Youth Program?
You can visit La Lutta NMC's website at www.lalutta.org or contact Antonino D'Ambrosio of La Lutta NMC at lalutta@lalutta.org.
