The Other Perspective(s)

In this first episode we set the context, we start at the beginning. What is the genesis of immigration policy in the United States? How did the resettlement of Southeast Asian War Refugees change immigration? Join us as we speak with Chris Cambises on the role of cities past, present, and future on immigration policy. 

Chris Cambises is the new Head of Politics, Press & Public Affairs at the British Consulate in San Francisco. Previously, Chris was the Immigrant Affairs Manager at the City of San Jose’s Office of Racial Equity. Chris has more than a decade of experience supporting refugee and immigrant communities across the United States and around the world. Chris served in various positions in the nonprofit and humanitarian relief field, specializing in refugee resettlement, immigration policy, forced migration, emergency management, and philanthropy. Chris has worked in over a dozen countries on four continents including service with the Red Cross in North Africa, the Horn of Africa, and Southern Europe.

Trigger Warning: This episode discusses war and gun violence.

Music Credit: Blue Wind Blow by Blue Dot Sessions

Welcome to The Other Perspectives Podcast.

In this series we center the First Generation Perspective(s) expressed by artists, each with a unique lived experience and connection to America, the Vietnam War and Cambodian Genocide. Join us in bearing witness to the human experience of war, refuge, and healing explored through the lens of arts, culture, and policy. Made for First Generations everywhere and the legislators, policy makers, and city staff that hold the power to shape our lived realities. Hosted by Ellina Yin.

For the best listening experience start at the beginning and listen in order ☺️…

Part 1 of the Series: Sets up the context and circumstances that were given to the First Generation of Cambodian and Vietnamese Americans and their Parents and Caregivers as the foundations with which to build a new life. In my journey of civic participation, I quickly learned that what many like to joke as policy wonkery, I say policy wizardry. The policies and laws we write and put into action have real life consequences that are felt through generations, such as the impacts of trauma, healing, and the lack of resources available to immigrant communities. Most importantly, though it points back at the foundations of local government as the place with which we can make change and write new stories.

Part 2 of the Series: Illustrates how laws and policies govern our lived realities and what is being reclaimed at the moment from the damages and challenges of cultural and language assimilation. Centering the tenacity of the First Generation to pursue art and storytelling as a means to explore what losing our language meant: a severed connection not only to our culture but in many cases our parents/caregivers and our very identity of who we are.

This series is partially funded by the Santa Clara County Division of Equity and Social Justice (DESJ) through a Community Engagement Mini-Grant Program to address the rise of Anti-Asian Hate Crimes.

Music: Blue Wind Blow by Blue Dot Sessions