Immigrants and refugees add to the vibrancy of our nation. As a nation of immigrants and refugees, America has been the historical destination of “huddled masses yearning to breathe free” and those who are persecuted for their race, religion, political opinion, gender, or social group. In these politically divisive times, it's easy to get distracted and swept up in the…
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Myth: “Those countries are emptying their prisons and sending them here.” Truth: American immigrants are less likely to commit crimes than US-born people. Source: Cato Institute (February 2024) and Immigrants less likely to commit crimes than U.S.-born: NPR- reporting on a study by The Marshall Project(March 2018) Why Are Immigrants’ Incarceration Rates So Low? Evidence On Selective Immigration, Deterrence, and…
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In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, we recognize the scientific, economic, cultural, political, and social contributions of influential immigrants and refugees who’ve helped shape the vibrant tapestry of America. Today, we spotlight three-time Grammy award winner Juan Francisco Secada Ramírez—professionally known as Jon Secada. Born October 4, 1961, in Havana, Cuba, Jon Secada spent his earliest years living amidst…
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In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, we continue to recognize the scientific, economic, cultural, political, and social contributions of influential immigrants and refugees who've helped shape the vibrant tapestry of America. Today, we spotlight Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra Assistant Conductor Fernanda Lastra of Argentina. Fernanda Lastra was born in Mar del Plata, Argentina. Her passion for music started at just…
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In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, we continue to recognize the scientific, economic, cultural, political, and social contributions of influential immigrants and refugees who've helped shape the vibrant tapestry of America. Today, we spotlight Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, professionally known as Shakira. Born February 2, 1977, in Barranquilla, Colombia, Shakira's passion for the arts started very young. At four…
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In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, we recognize the scientific, economic, cultural, political, and social contributions of influential immigrants and refugees who’ve helped shape the vibrant tapestry of America. Today, we focus on Cuban-American actor Andrés Arturo García Menéndez, professionally known as Andy García. Andy García was born on April 12, 1956, in Havana, Cuba, just two years before…
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Photo Credit: UNCR The Refugee Paralympic Team made history recently, winning its first-ever medals at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. They wrapped up this past weekend following ten days of intense competition. Competing in six sporting events, the dynamic refugee team included eight athletes and one guide runner. The team won bronze medals in the women's Para Taekwondo event…
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In the spirit of the 2024 Olympics Games in Paris, we’re continuing to spotlight world-class immigrant athletes who are currently or have competed for the U.S. National Team. Today, we spotlight Olympic Champion and "father of surfing," Duke Kahanamoku. Duke Kahanamoku, born in 1890 in Hawaii, was a true product of his heritage. A native Hawaiian of Polynesian descent, he was a direct…
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As the 2024 Olympics games in Paris, France, continue, we're spotlighting world-class immigrant and refugee athletes who are competing or have competed. Today, we'll spotlight Muna Dahouk, a judoka (a practitioner of judo) representing the IOC Refugee Team this summer. Born August 27, 1995, in Damascus, Syria, a young Muna Dahouk (pictured above in white) began practicing judo at the…
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With the stunning opening ceremony now complete at the 2024 Olympics games in Paris, France, we’re continuing to spotlight world-class immigrant athletes who are or have competed for the U.S. National Team. Today, we recognize U.S. long-distance runner Abdi Abdirahman, who became the oldest runner to make the U.S. Olympic team in 2020. Born on January 1, 1977, in Mogadishu,…
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