Roya Hakakian: Immigration and the America idea

The author and poet discusses her immigration experience to the United States from Iran and reflects on the meaning of immigration to the American idea.
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Chapter 1 (00:15​​​ - 30:22​​​): Coming to America
Chapter 2 (30:22 - 1:00:19): Immigration and the American Idea
What is the role of immigration in the history of the United States—and the idea of America? Why has America been uniquely successful at integrating immigrants while other countries often fail? What is the connection between immigration and American patriotism? Joining us to discuss is Roya Hakakian, the distinguished author and poet, who emigrated from Iran in the 1980s as a teenager. In this Conversation, Hakakian recalls her first impressions of the United States and describes her experiences as an immigrant. She then shares her perspective on why immigration to the United States has been a positive force for both America and the world—as well as her personal reflections on how immigration has contributed to the American story.