The story of immigration to the United States is a complex and lengthy one. However, one recurring theme is the perception of new immigrants as threats, leading to their politicization.
At the Reher Center for Immigrant Culture and History in Kingston, we are witnessing this phenomenon firsthand as asylum seekers arrive in the Hudson Valley and local authorities respond defensively. Lawsuits have been filed by Rockland, Orange, and Dutchess counties seeking to prevent further arrivals. Furthermore, a nonprofit foundation paid homeless men to falsely claim they were displaced by migrants, a story that gained national media attention before being debunked by local journalists. Additionally, a U.S. representative has introduced a bill to prohibit New York from housing migrants in SUNY dormitories.
As a museum and cultural center, our mission at the Reher Center is to promote a sense of belonging by engaging people through culture, community, and work. From this perspective, we view immigration as a universally human experience that can bring people together. We believe that immigrants are vital to the vibrancy, diversity, and socioeconomic well-being of our region.
Our current exhibition provides a platform for visitors to hear the stories of 36 individuals who have made their lives in the Hudson Valley. These individuals, either immigrants themselves or descendants of immigrants, come from 22 different countries. They share their reasons for coming to the United States, as well as their experiences of working, studying, raising families, starting businesses, and forming communities in our region.
For example, one woman shared her story of becoming a U.S. citizen as a child and expressing her desire to be free. Another storyteller had to flee his country due to the threat of execution because of a book he wrote. In the United States, he pursued theological studies and coached soccer. A third individual works as a hospice aide and emphasizes her abundance of love to share. Lastly, a young man who wishes to study sends his earnings to his family, alleviating their suffering through his contributions.
Listening to these diverse voices allows us to see the unique qualities of each person while also recognizing their shared experiences as immigrants in the Hudson Valley. This approach humanizes the individuals and challenges the dehumanizing anti-immigrant rhetoric that portrays immigrants as faceless and menacing masses.
The Hudson Valley stands to gain numerous benefits from embracing new arrivals. Asylum seekers currently residing in shelters and motels have their own stories and the potential to make invaluable contributions to our culture and community. They may be escaping violence, natural disasters, political persecution, or extreme poverty. Their aspirations may include supporting their families and creating a better life.
By listening to our neighbor’s stories, we have the opportunity to understand real people rather than viewing them solely as statistics. It allows us to empathize with their experiences and appreciate how individuals build lives and shape communities. Let us actively listen to recent migrants and recognize their capacity to strengthen, rather than threaten, our community.
Interim Director Jackie Lieske and Curator Sarah Gordon oversee the Reher Center for Immigrant Culture and History in Kingston.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
