2021-2022 IIR Colloquia
Immigrants, Athletes, and Inclusion
June 1, 2022 
CLICK HERE to watch a recording of the webinar.
Immigrants are 14% of the U.S. population but make up much larger shares in U.S. sports. In this webinar, experts discussed the benefits of inclusiveness in sports, and how immigrant athletes can promote greater understanding and acceptance of immigrants in the United States.
Speakers:
- Marissa Kiss, Research Associate, Institute for Immigration Research, George Mason University
- Earl Smith, Professor of Women and Gender Studies, University of Delaware
- Michele Waslin, Program Coordinator, Institute for Immigration Research, George Mason University
- James Witte, Director, Institute for Immigration Research, George Mason University
Supporting Immigrants in Higher Education in Virginia
March 29, 2022, 1-2pm EDT
This event was co-sponsored by the Presidents' Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration
To watch the webinar: Click here
- Dr. LaNitra Berger, George Mason University
- Delegate Mark Keam, VA House of Delegates
- Mr. José Magaña-Salgado, Presidents' Alliance
- Ms. Zuzana Steen, NOVA and Micron Technology Inc.
- Dr. Michele Waslin, Institute for Immigration Research (moderator)
Panel Discussion: Migration During Global Change
February 1, 2022, 1pm EST
To watch the webinar: Click here
Climate change and extreme weather events are already forcing millions of people to move, but current migration laws were not designed with climate migration in mind. On this webinar, experts discussed how climate change creates migration, what steps the United States can take to respond to this new challenge, and how immigrants are part of the solution.
This event was co-sponsored by the Center for Climate Change Communication and the Institute for Sustainable Earth.
Moderator:
Dr. John Kotcher, Center for Climate Change Communication
Speakers:
Sabrina Arias, University of Pennsylvania
Christopher Blair, University of Pennsylvania
Dr. Miranda Cady Hallett, University of Dayton
Kayly Ober, Refugees International
Celebrating Immigrant Entrepreneurs and How Communities Can Support Them
November 17, 2021, 1:30 - 3pm EST
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Immigrant entrepreneurs contribute to the United States, hire American workers, and play critical roles in the economy. This webinar featured several immigrant entrepreneurs who took different paths to come to the United States and establish successful businesses. It also featured community efforts to identify obstacles to entrepreneurship and support immigrants and refugees who want to start their own businesses. |
The Political Lives of South Asian Americans
October 14, 2021, 4:30pm EST
Organized by the American Pakistan Foundation
Waves of immigrant communities coming to the United States have gained social and political ground, fostering unique experiences of migration and identity. This webinar discussed how class, religion, nation of origin, language, and other characteristics shape the individual and group experiences of the South Asian American community and how major events, like the 9/11 attacks, influence identity and community mobilization.
To watch the event: Click here
The conversation included a presentation by Drew University’s Dr. Sangay Mishra on his book Desis Divided: The Political Lives of South Asian Americans. Dr. Mishra conducted extensive research with Pakistani, Indian, and Bangladeshi-American communities across the United States. Dr. Mishra joined in conversation by Dr. James Witte, Director of the Institute for Immigration Research at George Mason University and APF President Shamila N. Chaudhary who discussed APF’s research on civic engagement in the Pakistani American community.
Telling Migrant Stories
September 17-18, 2021
Telling Migrant Stories was a multidisciplinary workshop on migrant and refugee stories, sponsored by Mason’s Folklore Program, the Institute for Immigration Research, and the Center for the Study of Social Change, Institutions and Policy (SCIP). The two-day workshop convened social science researchers, immigration policy professionals, and immigration activists to foster transdisciplinary conversations about migrant and refugee stories. This event welcomed researchers, policy professionals, activists, and Mason students.
Speakers and Schedule of Events:
Friday, September 17:
9:00am—Welcome
10:00am—Break
10:15am—The Migrant Story
- Kate Parker Horigan (Western Kentucky University)
- Marco Jacquement (University of San Francisco)
- Adam Strom (Reimagining Migration)
1:30pm—Methods for Studying and Presenting Migrant Stories
- Joseph Ewoodzie (Davidson College)
- William Westerman (New Jersey City University)
- Nushin Arbabzadah (UCLA)
3:30pm—Break
3:45pm—Amy Shuman (The Ohio State University)
Saturday, September 18:
9:00am—Welcome
9:30am—Migrant Stories and Policy Imperatives
- Sabina Perrino (Binghamton University)
- Guadalupe Correa-Cabrera (George Mason University) and Jaime Scott (George Mason University)
- Wendy Feliz (American Immigration Council)
11:45am—Closing Remarks