Activist Women's Voices: Oral History Project
Linking Communities and the University

  Rosean Micallef, is the Executive Director of The Center of Immigrant's Rights. This organization was founded in 1981, primarily in response to the lack of service for immigrants in New York City. At the time, thousands of Central American refugees were settling in the U.S., particularly in New York City, which  has historically provided a major disembarkation point for new immigrants. Unlike the usual immigrant service providers and organizations, CIR sought to do more than serve immigrants' immediate needs. From the Center's conception, their mission worked to improve the long range situation of immigrants in the U.S. as well. By promoting both changes in legislation, and the formation of a self aware, socially conscious, organized, and empowered immigrant community, CIR addressed the place of immigrants in U.S. culture from a much broader perspective.

Go back to Activist Women's Voices                                                  Go back to Subject Map