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
👉Join our Email List! www.commonwealthclub.org/email
🎉 BECOME a MEMBER: www.commonwealthclub.org/memb...
Discover the rich history of Commonwealth Club World Affairs (CCWA), the nation's oldest and largest public affairs forum. The product of a 2023 merger between The Commonwealth Club of California, founded in 1903, and The World Affairs Council of Northern California, founded in 1947, CCWA is dedicated to reenergizing dynamic civic space in the Bay Area by cultivating new ideas, connection and action through engaging live programs and inspiring stories.
CCWA organizes weekly in-person, virtual and hybrid events covering politics, culture, society, the economy and much more. Join us as we reimagine what a public affairs forum can be in the 21st century.
In addition to the videos🎥 shared here, CCWA reaches millions of listeners through its podcast🎙and weekly national radio program📻.

[@jeremyschiff7193]

The Democratic Party needs to dramatize what Mr. Suarez described about empty houses, stores not opened, work shifts not being filled, kids screaming for their parents, what Mass Deportations would look like, so that they win the election and this does not become a reality!!!

[@kimberlydonaldson4904]

Ray Suarez is a phenomenal host! I remember him from PBS Newshour.

[@TriumvirSajaki]

The answer is me. I decide. I decide I'm the only American.

[@motherbug2001]

What a crock😂

[@PierretteMarie-celineTur-mo5nx]

- Hello evry body 3 calls are need to help the missing kids at the borders - Tarra Rodas is doung a great job - Population please help ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ 😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇 2:54

[@user-ro9xk2bz5l]

Why did the US have to take Syrians? Is the US required to take in everyone around the world? And why not neighboring countries with similar ideologies and cultural backgrounds? I don’t get it.

[@marieah1960]

Already know which NGO's are promoting this propaganda talk.