On March 4, 2026, the Institute for Immigration Research hosted A Conversation with the Authors: Recent Books Published about Migration & Displacement. This event was facilitated by IIR Director, Dr. Lisa Gilman, and featured five panelists: Dr. Graziella Pagliarulo McCarron, Dr. Sophia Balakian, Dr. Ricardo O Sanchez, Dr. Yasemin Ipek, and Dr. Benjamin Gatling. Attendees included students, faculty, and community members who gathered to discuss the importance of continued research and dialogue on migration and displacement and to acknowledge the voicelessness and invisibility of refugees.
The event reflected IIR’s two complementary strengths: producing unbiased, objective data and engaging in storytelling at the intersection of migration and arts. The event highlighted the research process behind each book, its impact on the public, and connections between the themes of the books.
Dr. Graziella Pagliarulo McCarron, Associate Professor of Leadership Studies in the School of Integrative Studies, co-authored Supporting College Students of Immigrant Origin: New Insights from Research, Policy, and Practice, with Dr. Blake Silver, Associate Professor of Sociology. This book examines the experiences of first- and second-generation immigrant students in higher education including the barriers they often face in accessing and completing their degree. During the panel discussion, Dr. McCarron highlighted how this book includes the stories of the lived experiences of immigrant college students, including Mason alumnus, and draws on research and policy, to help provide recommendations to educators, administrators, and policymakers to create pathways and environments to better support immigrant students.
Dr. Sophia Balakian, Assistant Professor in the School of Integrative Studies, provided insights into her book, Unsettled Families: Refugees, Humanitarianism, and the Politics of Kinship. Dr. Balakian explained that through interviews with refugees, she was able to tell the story of the politics of family in refugee resettlement, highlighting the role of kinship networks, and how current policies can hinder the resettlement process.
Dr. Ricardo O Sanchez, a clinical mental health counselor, cross-cultural consultant, and adjunct professor at George Mason in the College of Human Development, shared his memoir Before and After the Border: One Man’s Journey Home. Throughout his book, Dr. Sanchez examines the immigrant experience and journey from crossing the border to legal barriers as well as the search for belonging, resilience, and hope. During the book talk, Dr. Sanchez shared that the common thread of fear, economic insecurity and lack of belonging persist in immigrant and refugee populations.
Dr. Yasemin Ipek, Assistant Professor in the Global Affairs Program, discussed her findings and reflections in her book Crisiswork: Activist Lifeworlds and Bounded Futures in Lebanon. During the panel discussion, Dr. Ipek discussed how the lived experiences of activism intersect with crises, such as during the Syrian war and the resulting displacement of refugees. Dr. Ipek also spoke of the need to continue telling the stories of refugees in order to keep their experiences visible and bring awareness and empathy.
Dr. Benjamin Gatling, Associate Professor of Folklore and English, brought a folklorist perspective to the discussion with his book, Migration Stories: Connecting Activism, Policy, and Scholarship. This book examines how the personal and lived experiences of migrants intersect with activism, policy, and research. Similar to all panelists, during the book talk, Dr. Gatling also stressed the importance and power in telling the stories of migrants, immigrants, and refugees.
After each author shared their insights, the event concluded with a question-and-answer session with the audience, which highlighted the importance of countering misinformation, engaging in positive storytelling, and contributing to the change in our own ways. Dr. Gilman ended with a question for each to reflect upon: What can I do?