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Maryland Day 2016 Interviews
The Center for the History of the New America sponsored a booth at the annual Maryland Day celebration at the University of Maryland (2016). In addition to other activities on immigration history, we performed a series of "mini" interviews with some of our visitors. -
Interview of Venkat Raghavan
This interview between Nitsan Scharf and Venkat Raghavan explores Raghavan's experiences as an immigrant to the United States from India.
***This interview is restricted to the University of Maryland College Park's campus. For more information, contact the Center for Global Migration Studies (globalmigration@umd.edu).***
This interview was conducted as part of an undergraduate final project for the University of Maryland, College Park course THET428I (Spring 2017). This course was led by Professor Esther Lee of the Theater Department, College of Arts and Humanities, and was sponsored by the Center for Global Migration Studies. -
Interview of Tenzin Dolma
This interview between Dolma Gazan and Tenzin Dolma explores Tenzin's experiences as an immigrant to the United States from Tibet. The interview traces Tenzin's experiences in Tibet and growing up under Chinese occupation, and her escape through Nepal and to India, and ultimately her journey to the U.S.
This interview was conducted as part of an undergraduate final project for the University of Maryland, College Park course THET428V (Spring 2018). This course was led by Professor Esther Lee of the Theater Department, College of Arts and Humanities, and was sponsored by the Center for Global Migration Studies. -
Interview of Seema Parekh
This interview between Nina Parekh and Seema Parekh explores Parekh's experiences as an immigrant to the United States from India.
This interview was conducted as part of an undergraduate final project for the University of Maryland, College Park course THET428I (Spring 2017). This course was led by Professor Esther Lee of the School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies, and was sponsored by the Center for Global Migration Studies. -
Interview of Ramchandra Rao
This interview between Ajay R. Mysore and Ramchandra Rao explores Rao's experiences as an immigrant to the United States from India. Rao moved to the United States in 1969 following a fascination with America’s economic freedom and a sense of boyish adventure. He was not particularly active in cultural life in India, but upon moving to the States, his sense of identity became increasingly tied with his ‘Indian-ness’. He has succeeded in raising a family here and been a proponent of the chain migration that allowed much of his family to settle here. In this interview, Rao discusses his journey to America, the values he holds dear and some wise words on how to succeed in America.
This interview was conducted as part of an undergraduate final project for the University of Maryland, College Park course HIST428M: "Oral History of Immigration" (Spring 2017). This course was led by Professor Anne Rush of the History Department, College of Arts and Humanities, and was sponsored by the Center for Global Migration Studies.
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Interview of Philippe Dessauw
This interview of Philippe Dessauw, a French immigrant to the United States, explores various topics including family, stereotypes, friendships, and employment. Philippe discusses cultural differences between France and the U.S., his work as a software engineer, and the use of technology to retain relationships with family and friends.
This interview was conducted as part of an undergraduate final project for the University of Maryland, College Park course THET489V (Spring 2018). This course was led by Professor Esther Lee of the Theater Department, College of Arts and Humanities, and was sponsored by the Center for Global Migration Studies. -
Interview of Norma
This interview between Kendall Ohm and Norma (pseudonym) explores Norma’s experience as an immigrant to the United States from Mexico City. When Norma was just one year old, her family relocated to California to join her father who had been working in the country. When she was eight, they returned to Mexico City, citing a desire to be closer to the rest of their extended family. After middle school, they again relocated to the United States-this time to Rockville, Maryland-because her father could no longer find sustainable work in Mexico. This interview investigates the challenges that Norma faced throughout her childhood, and exemplifies the unique experience she brings to the discussion on the immigrant experience.
This interview was conducted as part of an undergraduate final project for the University of Maryland, College Park course HIST428M: "Oral History of Immigration" (Spring 2018). This course was led by Professor Anne Rush of the History Department, College of Arts and Humanities, and was sponsored by the Center for Global Migration Studies. -
Interview of Nico Alvarez
This interview between Nico Alvarez and Dercem (Derc) Kaya explores Nico's experiences migrating as a child from Spain the United States. Nico discusses his experiences in school, his observations on cultural differences between Spain and the U.S., his parents' careers (which brought them to the U.S.), and the decision and ability to stay in the U.S. once his family moved back to Spain.
This interview was conducted as part of an undergraduate final project for the University of Maryland, College Park course HIST 428M (Spring 2019). This course was led by Professor Anne Rush of the Department of History, College of Arts and Humanities, and was sponsored by the Center for Global Migration Studies. -
Interview of Murali
This interview between Erin Durham and Murali (pseudonym) explores Murali's experiences as an immigrant to the United States from Sri Lanka. This oral history documents the experiences of Murali (pseudonym), a Sri Lankan Tamil, who sought asylum in the United States in 2001. Murali recounts his experiences of growing up in Colombo, Sri Lanka, during the civil war, and experiencing bomb threats on a weekly basis. He discusses his experience traveling to Miami and applying for asylum. Murali describes the discrimination and challenges he faced after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and the six-year legal process of gaining permanent residency in the United States. Murali discusses the Sri Lankan conflict, Tamil and Sinhalese identities, the role of religion in his life, his thoughts about receiving American citizenship, and his experience volunteering in Sri Lanka in 2011. Murali’s interview touches on themes of ethnic identity, and the intrinsic worth of every individual. He emphasizes the importance of not labeling or isolating refugees, but giving them the respect deserved by every human being.
This interview was conducted as part of an undergraduate final project for the University of Maryland, College Park course HIST428M: "Oral History of Immigration" (Spring 2017). This course was led by Professor Anne Rush of the History Department, College of Arts and Humanities, and was sponsored by the Center for Global Migration Studies.








