The #YearofImmigration aims to transform dialogue into impact on urgent issues related to immigration, global migration and refugees, and to foster open conversation and greater connection with the University of Maryland’s large and diverse international community.
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Working under Maryland’s mission to “do good” by transforming idealism into impact, the Year of Immigration will focus its efforts under three interconnected themes that aim to increase community awareness and inclusivity.
2018-19 First Year Book
The Refugees
Viet Thanh Nguyen’s collection of short stories about displacement and exile compels readers to ask: What does it mean to immigrate to the United States? What does it mean to be a refugee? The stories in The Refugees portray the sorrow of displacement and exile while exemplifying themes of homeland, belonging and empathy.
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“In a country where possessions counted for everything, we had no belongings except our stories.”
– Viet Thanh Nguyen, author of The Refugees
Immigrant Stories
Thursday, April 11, 3:30-5 p.m.
The Driskell Center, Cole Student Activities Building
Five accomplished immigrants from across the globe join together to share their personal stories as part of Social Justice Day and the Year of Immigration. The event also will feature new results from the UMD Critical Issues Poll on immigration and a book-signing.
‘Terps Translate’ at Good Neighbor Day
Saturday, April 13, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
The Stamp Student Union
Terps Translate, a new translation project from the Office of Community Engagement started as part of the Year of Immigration, will provide free English translation services of non-legal materials during the university's annual Good Neighbor Day on April 13.
The Kurt Weill Festival
Through April 20
multiple dates and locations
Join the UMD School of Music, Maryland Opera Studio, and special guests for musical performances and lectures celebrating the illustrious career of German American immigrant and composer Kurt Weill. This festival is funded in part by the Kurt Weill Foundation for Music.
“I urge you to celebrate the extraordinary courage and contributions of refugees past and present.”
– Kofi Annan, former Secretary-General of the United Nations
Migration is one of the biggest challenges facing the U.S. and the world at large.
In 2017, a record 68.5 million people were forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution and poverty.
It is estimated that climate change may force 140 million more to migrate from their homes by the year 2050.
An average of one person is displaced every two seconds.
It is our civic duty to encourage open dialogue, embrace our international diversity, and build bridges to global citizenship.
To integrate your event into the Year of Immigration’s planning and publicity efforts, please reach out to the Office of International Affairs at international-info@umd.edu with “Year of Immigration” in the subject line.
