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Institute for Immigration Research-GMU

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Institute for Immigration Research-GMU

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The IIR is a joint venture between George Mason University and The Immigrant Learning Center, Inc.

The Institute for Immigration Research [IIR] conducts unbiased research to educate policymakers, media, teachers, students and the business community about the contributions of immigrants as entrepreneurs, workers and consumers. IIR is located within the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at George Mason University and works closely with the Center for Social Science Research at Mason, a multidisciplinary research center that examines some of the most pressing social, behavioral and political problems facing contemporary society.

10/20/2026

Please join us for a book talk with Dr. Lisa Gilman, Director of the Institute for Immigration Research at George Mason University and Professor of Folklore and English, as she discusses her new book, Arts Initiatives by Refugees for Refugees: Forced Displacement, Creativity, and Agency.

Drawing on global, multi-site research, the book explores how refugees use the arts not only to navigate displacement but also to contribute meaningfully to their communities and host societies. It challenges common stereotypes surrounding refugees and brings attention to the ways creativity can foster connection, resilience, and agency.

📅 Thursday, October 22
⏰ 6:00–7:30 p.m.
📍 Fenwick Room 2001
🍽️ Dinner will be served
Register here: https://cglink.me/2d7/r2305236

We hope you will join us for this engaging conversation about forced migration, creativity, and the powerful ways refugees shape their communities.

10/15/2026

The Institute for Immigration Research (IIR) recently hosted “Migration Research in Action,” that brought together George Mason students and staff engaged in diverse research areas, including psychology, sociology, political science, and biology. The event welcomed students at all academic levels, from those pursuing bachelor’s to doctoral degrees.

Facilitated by Dr. Kellie Wilkerson, Research Associate at the IIR, the event featured a panel of three George Mason student researchers. Sociology PhD student Umida Hashimova and IIR Graduate Research Assistant shared her recent fieldwork conducting subject-matter and migrant interviews in Uzbekistan. Political Science PhD candidate Sanggyu Suh discussed his research at the intersection of human migration, climate change, and international security, examining the impact of political and environmental constraints on migrants in transit. Economics PhD student Molly Rovinski discussed her research on the consequences of government restrictions on immigration, drawing on Austrian and public choice economics to examine the effects of government intervention at home and abroad.

Following the student panel, Wendy Mann, George Mason University Libraries Director of Data and Digital Scholarship Services (DDSS), shared information about the ways the DDSS Lab supports students who are working with digital data and navigating data resources for their research.

The event concluded with a Q&A session, where students asked questions about getting involved in migration research, opportunities for student researchers, and methods for collecting and working with data.

10/12/2026

Celebrating the 9th Annual New American Voices Award with (left to right) Institute for Immigration Research-GMU Director Lisa Gilman, Finalist Chantel Acevedo, Winner Ada Ferrer, and Finalist Bindu Bansinath. Read more about the award at fallforthebook[.]org/newamericanvoices
Photo - Aster Equine Photography

10/07/2026

We are partnering with the Fairfax County Public Library for an incredible event.

Delve into the history of immigration in Virginia and Fairfax County from 1940 to 2024 with Dr. Marissa Kiss, the Assistant Director of George Mason University's Institute for Immigration Research (IIR). We'll explore immigration across the broader scope of U.S. history, learn about long-term immigration trends and changes over time, and determine how to evaluate that information critically.

Learn more here: https://librarycalendar.fairfaxcounty.gov/event/17553843?k=a20d50bf712d39a792844e1950221f43

10/06/2026

This Thursday, October 8th!

09/17/2026

IIR GRA, Umida Hashimova, has been offered to be Mercatus Center’s Graduate Scholar for the year 2026-2027.

Read more here! https://lnkd.in/edfkHhwd

09/15/2026

Join N&Y Creative Solutions for an evening of creativity, culture, connection, and community commemorating the 2026 United Nations International Day of Peace.

INVESTING IN PEACE: STORYTELLING, ARTS, & CULTURE SHOW

An evening of creativity, culture, connection, and community.
Join us in Washington, DC, for Investing in Peace: Storytelling, Arts, & Culture Show, an arts and cultural event commemorating the 2026 United Nations International Day of Peace.

Inspired by this year’s theme, “Invest in Peace: For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day,” the evening will bring together artists, storytellers, peacebuilders, advocates, cultural practitioners, community leaders, and people from across the DMV to explore what it means to build peace in our everyday lives.

Through creative expression and meaningful conversation, we’ll celebrate the power of arts, culture, and storytelling to connect people across differences, foster understanding, and inspire action.

✨ WHAT TO EXPECT

Come ready to experience peace through creativity, culture, and community.

The evening will feature:
🎤 Poetry & spoken word
🎶 Live music & performances
🎨 Visual art & creative expression
🌍 Cultural storytelling
💬 Thought-provoking conversations
🤝 Community connection & networking

RSVP https://www.eventbrite.com/e/investing-in-peace-storytelling-arts-culture-show-tickets-1999646263804.

09/01/2026

07/29/2026

iDod Fact Sheet on Aurora’s Immigrant Community Featured in El Comercio de Colorado

The Immigration Data on Demand (iDod) fact sheet created by the Institute for Immigration Research for the City of Aurora, Colorado, was recently featured in El Comercio de Colorado!

The article highlights how Aurora’s immigrant communities are driving growth, enriching the city’s diversity, and contributing to its economic and cultural landscape. Our iDod fact sheet provides valuable data on Aurora’s immigrant population, including demographics, workforce participation, entrepreneurship, education, housing, and more.

Through accessible, research-based data, the IIR continues to support communities in understanding immigrant experiences and recognizing the contributions of newcomers across the United States.

Read the feature.

The city of Aurora has established as one of the most diverse places in the EE.UU., Migrant Community Driver Growth and Diversity in Aurora

Address

Fairfax, VA

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5am
Tuesday	9am - 5am
Wednesday	9am - 5am
Thursday	9am - 5am
Friday	9am - 5am

Telephone

+17039935833

Website

http://iir.gmu.edu/

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