
Maya Lê Espiritu
Ocean Refuge
Gouache on canvas
REFUGEE
SAN DIEGO
WHO IS A REFUGEE?
Following the Critical Refugee Studies Collective, we define refugees as human beings forcibly displaced within or outside of their land of origin as a result of persecution, conflict, war, conquest, settler/colonialism, militarism, occupation, empire, and environmental and climate-related disasters, regardless of their legal status. Refugees can be self-identified and are often unrecognized within the limited definitions proffered by international and state laws, hence may be subsumed, in those instances, under other labels such as "undocumented".

OUR GOALS
San Diego has the distinction of being home to one of the largest concentrations of refugees in the United States. Learn when, how, and why refugees from all over the world have resettled in San Diego and how they have adjusted to their local schools, jobs, and living environments. Refugee San Diego is committed to showcasing the rich and multifaceted lives of refugees in the region.

Ehber Klo Lah Moo
Untitled
Watercolor on wood

Maya Lê Espiritu
Sun-Kissed
Gouache on canvas

Kulsoum Sayad
Praying for God!
Pencil on paper
TIMELINE
A historical timeline of refugee arrivals, as well as program and resource development overtime, with a special focus on education.
SUBMISSIONS
San Diegan's submit original pieces in this repository, sharing their experiences as and with newcomers through artwork, essays, reports, interviews, and more.
DIRECTORY
A directory of ethnic restaurants, markets, and community sites we have identified through conversations with local refugees.