"In Cambodia, students do not study, because even if you have a higher education you do not make good money. The government does not pay the people well. Also, the justice system is not working. People rob each other, and there are many kidnappings. You have to pay a lot of money to get your child back. We came here to find a safe place. Our life in America is very different. We already have a grocery store."
Chealen, Lilin, and Peoumalika Tav; ages 18, 17, 14
© Barbara Beirne

“The strongest connection I have with China, my native land, is through my parents. I have seen the pain of leaving their beloved land upon which their memories are deeply rooted. I have seen their struggles to learn the English language and to survive in America. But I have also been witness to the joys of accomplishment, not only for myself, but for my family as well. We bring our culture with us and share it. Truly, it has been a bittersweet journey,” says teenager Lili Shek.

Shek and 50 other teens are the subject of photographer Barbara Beirne’s recent survey of new immigrants’ experiences. Some stories sparkle with optimism: “Now I can go to school. This country is good,” proclaims Diana Ingabire, 15. Other comments reflect the hardships of being culturally different. “After the terrible events at the World Trade Center,” 16-year-old Sohale Mehrmanesh muses, “I’m afraid that all Arab people will be suspected of terrorism.” Many of the teens offer poignant observations about their new country. “I was surprised that there were so many homeless people living in this city. How could this happen in America?” asks Guinea native Mawa Fofana, 17.

History Makers
Becoming American:
The Immigrant Teen Experience in San José
Panel Discussion and Film Showing
Free and Open to the Public
Wednesday, February 13, 6:00 - 8:00pm
MACLA, Center for Latino Arts
510 South First St., San José

The Academic Film Archive of North America will present two short films illustrating some of the challenges of adapting to a new culture. Then, Becoming American photographer Barbara Beirne will join students, teachers and members of the community for an open discussion.

Beirne’s interest in immigration began in 1999 with a photography assignment to document Kosovar Albanian refugees airlifted from overcrowded camps in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to military housing at Fort Dix, New Jersey. In time, Beirne managed to make friends with a few Kosovars who were very happy to be in America, but the photographer admits that she was “overwhelmed with concern” about the immigrants’ uncertain futures in the U.S. One by one, the newcomers moved out of the camp, leaving Beirne to ponder how they would adapt to life in this country.

Attempting to answer that question and document the shared hopes and challenges of the newest citizens, Beirne began interviewing and photographing immigrant teenagers from all parts of the globe. Beirne, whose celebrated photographic exhibition Serving Home and Community: Women of Southern Appalachia ended its SITES tour in 2003, has selected approximately 50 black-and-white photographs, accompanied by the teens’ thought-provoking comments, for this new exhibition. Visually and intellectually stimulating, Becoming American: Teenagers and Immigration offers a sensitive starting point for discussions about immigration, public perception, and cultural diversity.

Sponsored By:

The Kieve Foundation

Becoming American: Teenagers & Immigration, Photographs by Barbara Beirne, was organized by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Services (SITES).