Despite being celebrated as the nation's quintessential 'city of immigrants,' New York City is grappling with a surge of anti-immigrant sentiment. From Mayor Eric Adams attributing budget cuts to the influx of migrants, to persistent narratives blaming newcomers for societal woes, xenophobic rhetoric is alarmingly pervasive—even here. But why does this sentiment persist in a city built by generations of immigrants? To help unpack this complex issue, I spoke to Sarah Seidman, the curator of social activism at the Museum of the City of New York. Sarah has curated the exhibit 'Nativists and Immigrants: "Beware of Foreign Influence" 1830-1860,' which explores the deep roots of anti-immigrant movements in New York's history.

Today – Sarah shares historical patterns of xenophobia that continue to influence modern attitudes. She also explains why disproven myths about immigrants endure, and what lessons we can learn from the past to build a more inclusive future.

https://epicenter-nyc.com/why-anti-immigrant-sentiment-lingers-in-nyc-americas-immigrant-capital/

https://www.mcny.org/exhibition/nativists-and-immigrants

https://www.instagram.com/museumofcityny/?hl=en

https://epicenter-nyc.com/election-2024/

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