A Message from Define American

The past week has been hard.

Our hearts and minds are with our communities as we collectively process the political realities of the next four years. In this moment, we are reminded of the vital role storytelling plays not only in shaping collective understanding and empathy but also in providing solace and connection during challenging times.

Immigrant stories, struggles, and contributions are woven into the fabric of American life. Today we reaffirm our commitment to telling nuanced, authentic immigrant stories, especially in an era defined by divisive rhetoric and mis- and disinformation.

At Define American, we believe that all people deserve dignity and respect – a principle that guides our work and our commitment to uplifting immigrant voices. We know from a Pew Research Center study conducted this year that 59% of registered voters believe that undocumented immigrants currently living in the U.S. should be allowed to stay legally, and that 61% believe that America’s openness to people from all over the world is essential to who we are as a nation. That means that regardless of the toxic political discourse, a majority of Americans stand with immigrant communities.

It will take all of us working together to increase those numbers and create a greater sense of belonging for immigrants in this country. Storytellers are a major part of this ecosystem of change. As we’ve seen throughout history, it is through the vision of artists and storytellers that we can co-imagine a future rooted in dignity, empathy, and belonging – and then, co-create it.

About Define American

Define American is an award-winning media advocacy organization and go-to resource for storytelling on immigrant experiences across film, TV, theater, publishing, and digital media. Define American engages storytellers and equips them with research and resources to combat harmful narratives and tell nuanced, authentic, immigrant stories. Founded in 2011 by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and Tony and Emmy-nominated producer Jose Antonio Vargas, Define American continues to redefine the conversation around immigration and identity, fostering a greater sense of belonging for immigrants in the U.S.