Knoxville is a city that welcomes and respects the dignity of all of its residents. For centuries, it has been a place where people of different nationalities, ethnicities, faiths and cultures have come together. Immigrants and refugees have arrived in Knoxville from across the globe. On this page you can find resources and links for new international residents, and celebrations of the many cultures that make up the fabric of our city.

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ORGANIZATIONS


AKIN (Allies of Knoxville’s Immigrant Neighbors)
https://weareakin.wordpress.com/about
AKIN is a network of people in the Knoxville area who work to encourage dialogue about issues related to immigrants and refugees; to build better understanding among immigrants, refugees and members of local receiving communities; to support and learn from immigrant and refugee communities as they engage in civic and political life; to promote more just and reasonable policies toward immigration and asylum; and to foster a welcoming atmosphere in which all people are treated with dignity and respect and recognized for their positive contributions to the community.
American Muslim Advisory Council
http://www.amactn.com
The American Muslim Advisory Council is a 501c3 tax exempt organization. Our mission is to foster mutual trust and respect among all people through civic engagement, community building and media relations in order to protect all Tennesseans from prejudice and targeted violence.
More info: [email protected]

Arab American Club of Knoxville
http://arabamericanclubofknoxville.org
Like most all of us who inhabit this region, we are immigrants or descendants of immigrants. We are a diverse membership that traces its evolution from the Arab World to Southern Appalachia. We are Egyptian, Iraqi, Jordanian, Lebanese, Palestinian, Syrian heritage, and more. We are, for the most part, Christian and Muslims. Like many others who have come to be here, we have brought our traditions, been influenced, and have influenced. And like most people living in our area, it is great to be a Tennessee Vol! The Arab American Club seeks to provide a bridge of our heritage to our members while advancing cultural understanding to our Knoxville community.
201 Kingston Pike
Suite 6-312
Knoxville, TN 37919
[email protected]

Bridge Refugee Services
http://www.bridgerefugees.org
Bridge Refugee Services is East Tennessee's only refugee and protected class resettlement agency. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency operating in Knoxville and Chattanooga, our mission is to professionally provide opportunities for clients to rebuild their lives after suffering persecution so that they may become productive, contributing members of our community. We are committed to providing protection and assistance for clients’ inspiring journeys "from despair to dignity" and we recognize their plight, resilience, and willingness to join our community and make it their own.
4420 Whittle Springs Road, Suite A
Knoxville, TN 37917
865-540-1311
Executive Director: Stephanie Livigni, [email protected] 
Communication Director: Noah McBrayer Jones, [email protected]

Catholic Charities of East Tennessee Office of Immigrant Services
http://ccetn.org/programs-2/outreach/office-of-immigrant-services
The Office of Immigrant Services provides low-cost assistance for those who cannot afford an attorney. Services include: Petitioning for family members, Adjustments of status, Renewing work permits, Citizenship and naturalization, and Affidavits of support Replacement of immigration documents.
119 Dameron Avenue
Knoxville, TN 37917
865-971-3550
Contact: Michael Shao, 865-971-3550 or [email protected]

Center for English and Integration Services
https://centerforenglish.org
https://www.facebook.com/centerforenglish
Center for English and Integration Services is a volunteer-based non-profit that teaches English language skills to refugees and other internationals.
2720 Dayton Street
Knoxville, TN
Send text to 865-776-4251

Centro Hispano
http://www.centrohispanotn.org
Centro Hispano is a welcoming community center, serving as a source of essential information and as a gathering place for the civic participation of Hispanics in our community.  We bring positive change to the community facilitating its integration to East Tennessee.
2455 Sutherland Avenue
Knoxville, TN 37919
865-522-0052
[email protected]
Contact: Claudia Caballero, [email protected]

Diocese of Knoxville Hispanic Ministry Office
http://dioknox.org/offices-ministries/hispanic-ministry
The Hispanic Ministry Office promotes the integral growth of all members of the Hispanic community, creating leadership through organization, formation, and participation; to live our faith, evangelizing in all our surroundings, embracing our brothers and sisters, recognizing our cultural diversity, improving our quality of life in solidarity to continue, in this way, the mission of Jesus to create the reign of God on earth.
805 Northshore Drive Southwest
Knoxville, TN 37919
865-637-4769
Director: Blanca Primm, [email protected]

East Tennessee Civil Rights Working Group
ETCRWG is an informal networking group of community leaders, civil rights advocates, area law enforcement agency representatives, and concerned citizens.  It was founded on the principle that unity is our greatest asset in ensuring the civil rights of all persons in East Tennessee.
Contact: Joyce McCants, 865-602-7250 or [email protected]

Hindu Community Center of Knoxville
http://www.knoxvillemandir.org
The Hindu Community Center is the pinnacle of success for the Hindu community and will remain so for many years. This center will be a unifying force in the community and symbol of that unity. Our dream has finally been realized in the completion of our Hindu Community Center.
8580 Hickory Creek Rd
Lenoir City, TN 37771
865-988-3820
[email protected]

HoLa (Hora Latina)
http://www.holahoralatina.org
A nonprofit organization promoting “unity in the community” by building bridges between Latinos and the larger community.
100 South Gay Street, Suite 109
Knoxville, TN 37912
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 32192
Knoxville, TN 37930
865-335-3358
President: Pedro Tomás, [email protected]  

Knoxville Chinese Culture
http://knoxvillechineseculture.org
A portal website promoting Chinese culture in Knoxville and East Tennessee.

Knoxville Internationals Network (KIN)
http://www.kin-connect.org
One City. Many Nations. One Family. KIN rallies Metro Knoxville to love internationals living among us as family and integrate them into a life of dignity, purpose and hope.
ESL Classes - http://www.kin-connect.org/english-classes
Citizenship Classes - http://www.kin-connect.org/citizenship-classes

Knoxville Area Korean Association
http://homepy.korean.net/~knoxville/www/introduction/info.htm
The Knoxville Area Korean Association was established to share information and communicate among Koreans in the Knoxville Area in Tennessee. 
6859 Harvest Grove Lane
Knoxville, TN 37918
865-361-9977
[email protected]

Knoxville Turkish Cultural Center (KTCC)
KTCC is a unit of Society of Universal Dialogue (SUD) Inc., is a 501(c)3 public charity, nonprofit organization to promote respect and mutual understanding through partnerships with other religious and intercultural organizations and through creating platforms where communities can get together, share and exchange various perspectives in an environment of mutual understanding, appreciation and friendship.
7035 Middlebrook Pike
Knoxville, TN 37909
865-558-0040
[email protected]

Latino Task Force
https://www.facebook.com/LTFKnoxville/
The Latino Task Force [LTF] is dedicated to linking Latinos with organizations and businesses for the promotion of strong and unified communities
Contact: Rosy Noriega, [email protected]

Muslim Community of Knoxville
http://www.muslimknoxville.org
Promotes the unity of God through service, education and inspiration.
100 13th Street
Knoxville, TN 37916-1525
865-637-8172
[email protected]

Sodela (Solidarity Development and Light Association)
https://burundiesl.wixsite.com/sodelanonprofit/mission 
Our mission is to address issues of concern to the community of refugees and immigrants in the state of Tennessee and promote understanding and appreciation of refugee and immigrant culture for the American people.
President, Nihazi D .Samuel - 865 924-4892
Chairman, Prosper Ndarurinze - 865 836-0872
4230 Plummer Drive
Knoxville TN 37918

Tennessee Immigrant Empowerment Solutions (TIES)
http://www.tiesknoxville.org
TIES is a board-governed organization focused primarily but not exclusively on assisting immigrants to acquire the necessary skills to achieve personal success within our society. 
Sacred Heart School
711 Northshore Drive
Knoxville, TN 37919
865-315-8437
[email protected]

Tennessee Immigrants and Refugees Rights Coalition (TIRRC)
http://www.tnimmigrant.org
TIRRC is a statewide, immigrant and refugee-led collaboration whose mission is to empower immigrants and refugees throughout Tennessee to develop a unified voice, defend their rights, and create an atmosphere in which they are recognized as positive contributors to the state.
Contact: Stephanie Teatro, 615-833-0384 or [email protected]

University of Tennessee International Student Organizations
http://ihouse.utk.edu/international
Student organizations are an important part of student life at The University of Tennessee. Organizations with an international focus include: African Student Association, Asian American Association, Bangladesh Student Association, Chinese Culture Club, German Club, Chinese Students and Scholars Association, CLIP – The Portuguese Language Club, Indian American Association, Indian Student Association (Manthan), Iranian Student Association at UT, Korean Graduate Student Association, Latin American Student Organization, Middle Eastern Student Association, Native American Student Association, Nepali Student Association, Russian Language and Culture Club, Saudi Arabia Student Association, Turkish Student Association, and Vols Japanese Culture Association.

US Citizenship and Immigration Services
https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is the government agency that oversees lawful immigration to the United States. USCIS seeks to secure America’s promise as a nation of immigrants by providing accurate and useful information to our customers, granting immigration and citizenship benefits, promoting an awareness and understanding of citizenship, and ensuring the integrity of our immigration system.

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U.S. NATURALIZATION CEREMONIES



Mayor Rogero speaks at an U.S. Naturalization Ceremony

Mayor Rogero regularly welcomes attendees at the U.S. Naturalization Ceremonies in the Main Assembly Room of the City County Building. Attendees take the Naturalization Oath of Allegiance at the formal ceremony to become official citizens of the United States.

FEBRUARY 26, 2019

At a special Naturalization Ceremony, Feb. 26, 2019, Knoxville welcomed 126 new American citizens from 42 countries at the City County Building in Downtown Knoxville. Mayor Madeline Rogero welcomed the group at the event, who are now officially starting their journey as citizens. View a Facebook Photo Gallery from the Ceremony.


Watch our video and enjoy these video moments with some of our newest citizens.

JULY 24, 2018

On July 24, 2018, more than 150 citizens originating from nearly 50 countries around the world recited the Pledge of Allegiance for the first time as U.S. citizens after becoming naturalized in Knoxville on Tuesday, July 24, in the City County Building. 


View this video from the July 24th ceremony that captures the stories of naturalized citizens who attended the ceremony.

JANUARY 12, 2018

During a ceremony that takes place in East Tennessee only twice a year, 147 individuals from 45 different countries became American citizens on Friday, Jan. 12, 2018. Chief United States Magistrate Judge, the Honorable C. Clifford Shirley, Jr., presided over the naturalization ceremony held in the Main Assembly Room of the City County Building. The room was filled to capacity with solemn oath-takers, proud family members and more than a few antsy children dressed in their fanciest clothes. Knoxville City Mayor Madeline Rogero and Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett welcomed ceremony participants and their guests, encouraging everyone to register to vote and take part in local government as well as their neighborhood groups. Because he was performing the ceremony for the final time before his imminent retirement, Judge Shirley performed the keynote address himself. He told the soon-to-be citizens that Knoxville is a welcoming city that embraces its diversity. View a Facebook Photo Gallery from the Ceremony.

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CELEBRATING CULTURAL DIVERSITY


Knoxville is home to a rich culture and diverse people nestled together within a beautiful urban wilderness. Plentiful festivals provide locals and visitors with a taste of Knoxville's daily diversity in food, language, dance and song.

Arab Fest
https://www.facebook.com/AACKNOXVILLE
Food, craft vendors, children's activities, and demonstrations of Arabic music, dance, fashion, cooking, and much, much more. Admission is free and open to the public. Held on the UT Campus between Andy Holt Ave. and Volunteer Blvd. The festival is usually held in October.

Casa HoLa
http://www.holahoralatina.org
https://www.facebook.com/groups/holaknoxville
Casa Hola at the Emporium. On First Fridays come celebrate the art, craft or work of a Latino artist member of HoLa. Once a month, Cinema at Casa HoLa features a Hispanic film (typically in Spanish with English subtitles), accompanied by a light meal or dessert typical of the country featured in the film and followed by commentary and conversation.
Emporium for the Arts
100 S. Gay Street
Knoxville, TN 37902

Centro Hispano de East Tennesseentro Hispano
www.centrohispanotn.org
Centro Hispano is a welcoming community center, serving as a source of essential information and as a gathering place for the civic participation of Hispanics in our community. Language Exchange and volunteer opportunities (English classes, GED, etc.)
2455 Sutherland Avenue
Knoxville, TN 37919
865-522-0052
[email protected]

German Fest
http://www.firstknoxville.org/
The German Fest is presented by the First Lutheran Church and School during August.
1207 N. Broadway
Knoxville, TN 37917
865-524-0366

Greek Fest
GreekfestTN.wordpress.com
Enjoy authentic Greek food, delicious Greek pastries, live Greek music, traditional Greek dancing, shopping and more at the Greek Fest each year on the last weekend of September/beginning of October. Festival is presented by St. George Greek Orthodox Church.
St. George Greek Orthodox Church
4070 Kingston Pike
Knoxville, TN 37919
865-522-5043
[email protected]

Haiti Fest
https://icknoxville.org/category/community-discussion
The Annual Hait Fest is held by the Immaculate Conception Haiti Committee usually in October. Haiti Fest is a celebration of the rich culture, delicious Haitian food, steel drum music and more.
Immaculate Conception Church
414 W Vine Ave
Knoxville, TN 37902
865-522-1508

Hola Festival
https://www.facebook.com/groups/holafestival
The Hola Festival is a day-long celebration of diversity and a cultural salute to our East Tennessee community. The festival is part of the local celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, which is celebrated nationwide from the September 15 through October 15. This is a great opportunity for the general public to learn and enjoy the best of our music, food, arts, crafts and so much more!
Market Square
Downtown Knoxville

International Food Festival
https://www.facebook.com/events/1126246547442517
The International Food Festival provides the public a chance to taste some of the most popular and tastiest foods from different countries around the world. Festival also includes market place shopping, kids corner and entertainment. The event is usually held in October at the World's Fair Park.
World's Fair Park
963 Worlds Fair Park Dr. 
Knoxville, TN 37916

India Fest
https://www.facebook.com/IndiaFestKnoxville  

Irish Fest
https://dioknox.org/event/9th-annual-irish-fest-on-the-hill/
This festival features live Irish music, tours of the historic church, Celtic goods, a silent auction, Irish food and drinks and activities for kids. Event is usually held in August at the Immaculate Conception Church.
Immaculate Conception Church
414 W Vine Ave
Knoxville, TN 37902
865-522-1508

Knox Asian Fest
http://www.knoxasianfestival.com
Knox Asian Festival aims to promote diverse cultures and celebrate traditions and talents from the Asian continent. The Festival aims to bring together people from various cultural backgrounds, to promote peace, harmony, unity and healthy life style. Each participating country will showcase its unique music, dance, food, fashion, handicrafts and other products. The event is usually held in August at Market Square.
Market Square
Asian Culture Center of TN, 831-241-1189
Contact: Kumi Alderman, [email protected]

Kuumba Festival
http://www.KuumbaFestival.com
The Kuumba Festival (KUUMBA) was started in 1989 by local Knoxville artists and community activists who were looking to showcase local African American art and artists therefore sharing, educating and exposing rich cultural art forms to the Knoxville community. This event gives African American Appalachian Arts Inc.(AAAA) an avenue to reach out and service the Greater Knoxville community through the offering of cultural arts activities. The event is usually held in June in Downtown Knoxville.
Downtown Knoxville
865-546-9705 
[email protected]

University of Tennessee International House
http://web.utk.edu/~ihouse
The essence of the I-House is its multi-cultural atmosphere. It is here that individuals from all over the globe come together to share experiences and dreams and to learn mutual understanding and respect. It promotes cross-cultural exchange and understanding. Everyone is welcome here because we are all citizens of the world. Events include: Culture Night, International Film Series, Language Tables, International Festival and more.
University of Tennessee
1623 Melrose Avenue
Knoxville, TN 37996

World Refugee Day Celebration
www.bridgerefugees.org
Organized by Bridge Refugee Services, this celebration offers an opportunity to learn about Knoxville’s resettled refugees.
3839 Buffat Mill Road
Knoxville, TN 37914
865-540-1311

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CITY & MEDIA COVERAGE


More Than 150 Naturalized Citizens from Nearly 50 Countries: Watch a Video of 13 Citizens' Stories - July 2018
Photo Gallery of U.S. Naturalization Proceedings Jan. 12, 2018 - January 2018
Mayor Meets with Annoor Academy Students, Staff - October 2016
City Celebrates Citizenship Day, Embraces Diversity - September 2016
Festive Kickoff to Hispanic Heritage Month! - September 2016
Knox Asian Festival Photo Gallery - September 2016
Knoxville Welcomes Delegates from Muroran, Japan - October 2015
Hola Festival Photo Gallery - September 2015
Hola Festival Set for Sept. 26-27 - September 2015
Patricia Robledo Honored With 'Spirit of Inspiration' at LATINO Awards - July 2015
Regal to Screen Cesar Chavez Film - March 2014