2003 Events

A New Diaspora: Crisis Induced Emigration

• New Argentinean Diaspora
  Lia L. Friedman, Universidad de Rancagua
• Factors Influencing Argentinean Emigration
  Javier Neiman, HAIS Latin America Visa Program
• Argentines in New York City: Uncertain Paths in Troubled Times
  Anahi Viladrich, Columbia University

Moderator:

Mark Ungar, Brooklyn College, City University of New York

Lia Friedman's presentation will start with a brief reminder of the migratory movements to Argentina, during the years of colonization, the nationalities and ethnic groups that shaped the country, and the way in which the indigenous population was treated. This presentation will include debates about the dual nationality or citizenship of many inhabitants and the consequences that this fact contributes to the construction of identity and the likelihood of emigrating during times of crisis. As well as discuss the effects of the "brain-drain" in the culture, in the society and in politics, and the different reasons that people have given as an explanation for their departure which are not limited to the economic crash.

Javier Neiman will talk about the factors influencing the upsurge in Argentina emigration and the problems that immigrants are encountering when relocating to the United States.

Anahi Viladrich's presentation will reveal some of the complex factors involved in Argentine émigrés’ social paths in the US, including their diverse motivations to leave their country, their changing prospective plans, and the succession of different legal statuses in the US. Based on ethnographic data obtained from recent research conducted with Argentines in NYC, this talk will not only examine how legal status affects immigrants’ opportunities, but also its impact on Argentines’ self-presentation. In addition, Anahi will analyze some of the legal conditions influencing immigrants’ place of destination, including the “visa waiver” in the US and Argentines’ eligibility for foreign citizenships. Finally, this talk will address immigrants’ changing migratory plans and destinies, particularly after September 11, and the effect of Argentine sociopolitical crisis of December 2001.

Lia L. Friedman was born in Provincia de Mendoza, República Argentina. She is currently a student of psychology working on her Master's thesis
on the role of social networks in Argentinean Immigrants' adaption to the USA, at the Universidad del Aconcagua, Mendoza, Argentina. Currently she is also co-coordinator of the Teach-in Committee for the Hudson County Coalition for Peace and Justice, Jersey City, NJ.

Javier Neiman graduated from Hebrew University in Jerusalem, afterwards he settled in Argentina, where he founded and managed two different companies in the photographic industry. Due to very unstable situations he, along with his family relocated to the United States. He was then hired by HIAS (The Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society) to run the Latin American Visa Program.

Anahi Viladrich is a medical anthropologist and sociologist of Argentine origin with extensive experience on ethnographic studies on gender and health in both her home country and in the U.S. In the US Viladrich obtained a Master degree in Sociology (New School for Social Research), M.Phil. (Columbia University) and a Ph.D. in Sociomedical Sciences/Anthropology at the Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia. Viladrich’ s dissertation was recently awarded “With Distinction” and nominated for the “Marisa de Castro Benton Prize”, which will be awarded in March 2003.

When: Friday, February 14 at 4:30 P.M.
Where: Room 9204
The Graduate Center, City University of New York
365 Fifth Avenue
(Between 34th and 35th St.)

To reserve please send e-mail to bildner@gc.cuny.edu or leave message at (212) 817-2096.