Institute for Immigration Research-GMU

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

07/29/2026

The Independent is an important voice in the community of readers and writers dedicated to book reviews and writing about the world of books.

07/23/2026

We're excited to share that our new interactive immigration timeline has been featured by Patch!
Read the article and explore the timeline to discover how immigration has shaped the American story.

George Mason launched an interactive timeline exploring immigration's role in U.S. history as America marks its 250th anniversary.

07/22/2026

“I used my documentary and research skills on the streets to get to know this city.”

Dina Abou Zeid, an Egyptian documentary producer and director, spent nearly all of her life living in Cairo before moving to the United States in 2020. Born and raised in the city, Ms. Abou Zeid’s professional work in documentary film did not emerge suddenly. She was raised in a home shaped by journalism, intellectual life, and history. Her father, though less explicitly political, passed down to his children a deep attachment to Cairo’s history and heritage. Ms. Abou Zeid explains that through him she and her younger sister inherited what she called “a love of history and heritage.”

As a woman who arrived with years of experience, regional reputation, and a substantial body of work, Ms. Abou Zeid is now rebuilding her career in a new media economy, in a new language environment, and with a different audience. Since migrating, she has continued to engage critical international issues in public forums and academic institutions, including the Institute for Immigration Research’s symposium, where she presented her documentary work. Through these engagements, she continues to craft compelling stories and foster meaningful connections across communities and borders.

Read the full story here: https://iir.gmu.edu/immigrant-stories-overview/egypt/egypt-summary-of-interview-with-dina-abouzeid

07/17/2026

"Be the change you want to see in the world"
Colette A.M. Phillips leads “Colette Phillips Communications” and is the founder of “Get Konnected!” and “The GK Fund”. Ms. Phillips was born in St. John’s, the main city on the Caribbean island of Antigua in the country Antigua and Barbuda. She describes growing up in a country shaped by layers of history, cultural resilience, and strong community values. At the center of Ms. Phillips’ outlook are hope, optimism, and possibility. Throughout her life and career, she has believed in “saying the quiet part out loud” — openly addressing difficult truths in order to create more inclusive and honest conversations. Her lasting remark is “Be the change you want to see in the world.”

Read the full story here https://iir.gmu.edu/immigrant-stories-overview/the-caribbean/the-caribbean-summary-of-interview-with-colette-a-m-phillips

07/15/2026

IIR Director Dr. Lisa Gilman presented the “Creating the Strong Future Together: Immigrant Contributions to the City of Aurora, Colorado” report to city leaders at the “Midpoint Community and Demographic Reports“ Release event hosted by the City of Aurora Office of International and Immigrant Affairs on June 25, 2026.

https://cdnsm5-hosted.civiclive.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server_1881137/File/Departments/International%20and%20Immigrant%20Affairs/Immigrant%20Contributions%20to%20the%20City%20of%20Aurora,%20Colorado%20Final_accessible.pdf

Aurora, Colorado City Hall Lisa Gilman

07/15/2026

As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, the Institute for Immigration Research-GMU has officially unveiled "Immigrants & America 250: Data, Stories, and Policy Across United States History," an immersive digital timeline that explores how immigration has shaped the United States from its earliest years to the present day.

🔗 Learn more: https://chss.gmu.edu/articles/23596