Illustration by Kristian Knutsen and Scott Gordon; azimuth projection map via NS6T/Tom Epperly

Series: Wisconsin's Diverse Waves Of Immigration

Many distinct and ongoing waves of immigration have indelibly shaped communities across Wisconsin. The 19th-century influxes of immigrants from Germany, Scandinavia and elsewhere in Europe are strongly associated with the state's cultural identity, but the immigrant experience in Wisconsin is far more varied. Canada has been a small but steady source of immigrants throughout the state's history. Several increasingly large phases of immigration from Mexico and other nations around Latin America have left imprints around the state, ranging from Milwaukee to dairy and vegetable farms in rural areas. In recent decades, immigrants from Asia have likewise increasingly made their home in the state, with Hmong communities standing out. As new groups of immigrants arrive in Wisconsin, their civic, religions and economic contributions adds to the state's diversity.
 
The Spanish-language radio station serving the Madison area is owned by local broadcast giant MidWest Family Broadcasting, but operates very much like a family business.
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Trained as a classical musician in Mexico, Raphael Baez was recruited to come to the United States by the C.D. Hess Opera Company in the 1880s.
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In the mid 1970s, Cheu and Chia Vang of Laos moved to the United States from a refugee camp in Thailand — part of the first wave of Hmong refugees to resettle in the United States.
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Italians say festa, Latinos say fiesta, and the Irish say feis, but it all means "festival" in Milwaukee.
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Maria Huerta came to Milwaukee from Mexico with her husband. She knew no English but soon started classes at Journey House in Milwaukee.
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Lutefisk is a Scandinavian delicacy. It's a polarizing dish; some people grow up loving it, while others despise it.
Ángel Flores grew up on a farm in Mexico with the familiar smell of home cooked tortillas wafting through the air.
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On Madison's near east side, the final weekend in July is rung in with bouzouki music and baklava-fueled joy.
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Before Martha Stewart and Ina Garten, there was Lizzie Kander and The Settlement Cook Book .
Franco Ferreyra overstayed his entry into the United States when his 90 days were up under the visa waiver program. That was in 2001. Now he awaits deportation in an ICE detention facility in Dodge County.