How To Participate

Preparation

Before conducting your interview, start by identifying a family member, friend, or loved one who is comfortable sharing their experiences and stories of immigration. Ensure they understand the purpose of the interview and obtain their consent—the goal is to foster a space of connection and trust.
 
Choose a quiet and comfortable setting where the conversation can flow naturally without distractions, while maintaining confidentiality. Before recording, remember to test your equipment to ensure clear sound quality and avoid muffled or distorted audio. Additionally, if you “mess up,” no worries! Simply start the sentence over so as not to disrupt the recording. The Immigration Archives will review the recordings and edit any mistakes or long pauses.
 
Lastly, approach the conversation with sensitivity and respect, using open-ended questions that allow the interviewee to share their story at their own pace.
 
Some recording software to use is Apple’s Voice Memos, Audacity, or Podcastle. To export the audio, simply press the share or export button and export the audio as an “MP3” file.

Questions 

The question guide follows a chronological order, beginning with an introduction of the both the interviewer and interviewee. Following introductions, the first section of questions details experiences prior to immigrating, section two outlines the immigration process itself, and section three focusses on life in the United States. Familiarize yourself with the questions so that conversation can flow!
 
Interviewers: Start by introducing yourself and your relationship to the interviewee. This is important to highlight the intergenerational/connection component of the interview. Also note the date and location (physically or where people are based, if virtual) where you are conducting the interview.
 
Interviewees: Introduce yourself, too! Begin by sharing your name, age (if comfortable), and country of origin. Feel free to share any external details that may enhance the listeners’ understanding of your background and history. Questions
 
Section 1: Deciding to Leave

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• When did you first realize you had to leave your home country?

• What factors influenced your decision to leave? Was it voluntary or forced?

• Were there any specific events that made you decide it was time to go?

• How did your family and friends react when you made the decision?

• What was it like coming to terms with leaving behind your home, culture, and possibly loved ones?

• Do you have any distinct memories of your last days or moments in your homeland?

• If you could go back to that moment before leaving, would you do anything differently?

Section 2: The Journey

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• How did you leave your home country? (What method of transportation did you use?)

• What do you remember most vividly about your departure?

• Who, if anyone, traveled with you?

• What was the journey like—was it easy, difficult, or dangerous?

• Did you face any challenges or hardships along the way?

• Did you feel a sense of hope or fear during the journey?

• Were there any moments of kindness or unexpected help along the way?

• Were you able to bring any personal belongings from your homeland? If so, what and why? Do you still have the items?

• If you could describe your journey in one word, what would it be?

 
Section 3: The US

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• What was your first impression of the US when you arrived?

• Was there anything that surprised you about American culture?

• What were your biggest struggles or adjustments when settling in/assimilating?

• Did you face any barriers, such as language, employment, or discrimination?

• How has your perception of the US changed since you first arrived?

• Do you feel like an American? If so, was there a specific moment when this feeling developed?

• Have you found a sense of community in the US? If so, where?

• What do you love most about your homeland, and what do you miss the most? How does it compare to the US?How have your experiences with immigration shaped your personal philosophy or outlook on life?

• If you had the chance to speak to someone considering immigration, what advice would you give them?

• If you could send a message to your past self before immigrating, what would you say?

 
You do not have to ask all—if any—of these questions. They are simply a way to help guide the conversation.

Sharing

After conducting interviews, please write two short paragraphs describing:

• Who the interviewee is

• What the interview is about​

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Furthermore, please send any photos of family members, objects, or anything that may add depth to the interview itself! 
 
To share your audio, description, and ephemera, please email: francismcarlson@gmail.com
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Thank you so much for participating! It truly means a lot, and I hope the experience helped strengthen your relationship with your loved ones. If you can, please spread the word and encourage others to take part as well!