“The resistance makes the difference.” –Elvira Arellano

“I'm not the only one affected. I'm part of the struggle for legalization. I want my community to be able to be legalized and remain here with their families.” (Elvira Arellano, quoted in the Socialist Worker , September 1, 2006)

The Jane Addams Hull-House Museum is creating Chicago: An Immigrant City, an anthology of contemporary reflections on the immigrant experience written by immigrants, artists, activists, scholars, and youth.  These poems, essays, and personal narratives will highlight critical issues in the immigration debate, including labor, education, immigrant youth, LGBTQ concerns, and equal rights for immigrants.  This volume will feature a foreword by Elvira Arellano and will be accompanied by a comprehensive resource guide for immigrants in Chicago with critical information about services, community organizations, and the arts.  Chicago: An Immigrant City will be published in multiple languages to serve Chicago’s diverse population.

In the post-9/11 climate of increased immigration enforcement and the scapegoating of immigrants, Chicago: An Immigrant City will be a progressive, pluralistic voice in the immigration debate.  Readers will be galvanized by the personal narratives of immigrants and community activists on the front lines of the immigrant rights movement; moved by creative poetry and prose by youth in Chicago’s immigrant communties; and informed by scholarly analyses of the economic forces that propel migration.  These stories will paint a compelling portrait of contemporary immigrant experiences that will be of interest to students, activists, and immigrants alike. 

The Jane Addams Hull-House Museum is proud and committed to creating Chicago: An Immigrant City in collaboration with community organizations across the city.  Since its founding by Jane Addams and Ellen Gates Starr in 1889, Hull-House served as a vital community center for its immigrant neighbors, providing space for social gatherings and cultural celebrations and offering English and citizenship classes.  Chicago: An Immigrant City continues the legacy of the Immigrants’ Protective League (IPL), which will celebrate the 100th anniversary of its founding by Hull-House residents in 2008. 

For more information please contact Margot Nikitas @ 312.355.0321 mnikit1@uic.edu

Chicago: An Immigrant City is made possible in part by a generous grant from the Boeing Foundation.

United African Organization
www.uniteafricans.org

Chinese Mutual Aid Association
www.chinesemutualaid.org

Korean American Resource and Cultural Center
www.chicagokrcc.org

National Immigrant Justice Center
www.immigrantjustice.org

El Zócalo Urbano
www.myspace.com/elzocalourbano

Polish American Association
www.polish.org