University Center for International Studies Center for Latin American Studies
University Center for International Studies Center for Latin American Studies

Border to Border Series: Understanding Borders~Concepts, Perceptions, and Their Broader Impact

Borders are more than just lines on a map—they define, limit, and shape our identities, opportunities, and relationships both physically and mentally. While much of the conversation surrounding borders focuses on national boundaries and migration, this series will explore borders on a deeper level. We will investigate the complex layers of how borders manifest, not just between countries, but within neighborhoods, communities, and even individuals.

Join us for an insightful and thought-provoking exploration of the current global situation surrounding borders, migration, and their broader implications. In this series, we will analyze and reflect on the diverse perceptions of borders around the world, comparing migration routes from various regions. We will also address common misconceptions about who crosses borders and the complex factors that influence human movement.

Our discussions will go beyond migration, considering the broader impact of borders on social structures, political systems, and personal experiences. This includes an exploration of mental and physical borders—barriers that exist within societies and neighborhoods, which often have just as much impact as national boundaries.

Throughout the series, we will focus on understanding the impact of forced migration on countries in various regions, highlighting the challenges and opportunities faced by host nations and migrants. We aim to foster a deeper understanding of the diverse realities of migration, its driving forces, and the consequences for both individuals and communities worldwide. Furthermore, we will explore how these borders—both physical and societal—affect the ways we perceive and interact with the world.

Objectives of the Series:

  • Understand the Global Perception of Borders
  • Compare Migration Routes Worldwide
  • Address Misconceptions About Migration
  • Explore the Impact of Forced Migration
  • Promote Dialogue and Reflection on Border Policies
  • Explore the Mental and Physical Boundaries Within Societies

By expanding the scope of our discussion to include borders within communities and beyond nation-states, we invite a broader conversation about how borders shape our collective experience, impacting everyone from the individual to the international level. For more information contact: Luz Amanda Hank at lavst12@pitt.edu

Past Events

Film Screening & Discussion: A Day Without a Mexican

Presenter:
Date:
Thursday, February 20, 2025 - 18:30

Join us for a thought-provoking screening of A Day Without a Mexican, a satirical film imagining the sudden disappearance of Mexican immigrants in California. What would happen to the economy, society, and culture if this essential workforce vanished overnight?

The film explores how borders—whether physical, societal, or metaphorical—create divisions that impact labor, local economies, and community life. The film forces us to confront the human and societal costs of exclusion and reminds us of the vital role immigrant populations play in our everyday lives.

After the screening, join a discussion on the film’s themes and the complex ways borders divide us—beyond just lines on a map.

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Thank you for all who came to this event! If you want to learn more on how the event was, see this story published by Pitt Global!

 
 

Immigration, Activism, and the High Stakes of the 2024 Election—What Now?

Presenter:
Date:
Friday, January 10, 2025 - 18:00

In the aftermath of the 2024 election, we find ourselves at a crucial turning point. With promises to deport millions of Latinos, we face consequences that will impact not just our communities, but the entire fabric of the U.S. and beyond.

This impending social and economic storm will generate forceful opposition, though its shape is not yet determined. In this context, this panel discussion will emphasize these major questions:

  • How extensive could deportations be, and what are the potential economic impacts?
  • How can vulnerable communities protect themselves, and how can allies best support them?
  • What are the global effects of these issues, beyond Latin America and the Caribbean?
  • What can individuals do to help, and how can we effectively fact-check this information?

Join us for a challenging but necessary conversation in a safe, collaborative space that will include academics, community, and activist leaders. 

 
 

The State of Forced Migration in the Americas

Presenter:
Date:
Thursday, February 29, 2024 - 15:00

Dr. Scott Morgenstern (Professor, Department of Political Science, University of Pittsburgh) will moderate a discussion with special guest and presenter, Federico Ríos, an award-winning photojournalist who has published numerous works on Latin America, armed conflict, the environment and its relationship with society. His work has appeared frequently in The New York Times, National Geographic, and other media. Mr. Ríos will specifically talk about his experience in the Darién Gap - an area around the border between Panama and Colombia considered one of the world’s most dangerous migration routes.