Americans by Choice
January 13 - March 21, 2003
American Immigration Law Center
918 F Street, NW
Washington, DC

AMERICANS BY CHOICE is an exhibit celebrating the United States as a nation of immigrants. Nationally acclaimed artist Mel Rosenthal has been photographing the history and vibrancy of the Arab American community in New York since 1998. As part of a project commissioned by the Museum of the City of New York, this exhibition of twenty black-and-white photographs shows recent Arab immigrants honoring their native traditions even as they immerse themselves in American culture and customs. Through his lens,he captures the diversity and subtlety found within this ethnic group by examining their professional paths,religious beliefs,and home lives. They also remind all of us who are descended from immigrants of the struggles and success of our own ancestors.

The installation culminates with Arab American reactions to the September 11 destruction of the World Trade Center.For Arab immigrants,the events of September 11 solidified their identity as Americans and reaffirmed their allegiance to the United States.The photographs in this exhibition rekindle the sense of unity that all Americans felt that day.