Join Our Mailing List
Search Reports

Data that moves policy — and informs debate.

Our rigorous, independent analysis provides clear insights into the challenges of immigration and the vital economic role of immigrants.

Explore Our Research Hub

Data that moves policy — and informs debate.

Our rigorous, independent analysis provides clear insights into the challenges of immigration and the vital economic role of immigrants.

Explore Our Research Hub

Data that moves policy — and informs debate.

Our rigorous, independent analysis provides clear insights into the challenges of immigration and the vital economic role of immigrants.

Explore Our Research Hub
Featured Report

What’s the Alternative? Instead of Detention Centers, Use Warehouses for Communities

·
June 26, 2026
Transformation of warehouses into ICE detention centers is an inhumane way to treat immigrants. It’s also bad economics and planning for local communities. A report by IRI and National Immigration Law Center, with three regional planners, show some vibrant alternative ways to repurpose warehouses as libraries, recreation facilities, or more.
Read the report

11

Warehouses Bought by ICE

4

Under Active Planning

What Else Could These Be?

“IRI is a national resource and trusted thought partner at the intersection of immigration and economics.”
— Kaitie Dong, Washington State Budget and Policy Center
— Kaitie Dong, Washington State Budget and Policy Center
“The organization’s ability to offer data-driven rebuttals is crucial in the world we’re living in.”
— Jason Cone, Robin Hood
— Jason Cone, Robin Hood
“IRI brings the research and data muscle that drive policy breakthroughs in immigration and labor campaigns.”
— Angeles Solis, Action Lab
— Angeles Solis, Action Lab
“We truly value how intentional IRI is about collecting and using data that reflects our community’s real experiences.”
— Sophie Bah-Kouyate, African Communities Together
— Sophie Bah-Kouyate, African Communities Together
“By bringing unbiased data to coalition work, IRI plays the role of ‘the adults in the room.’”
— Alana Cantillo, Office of the New York City Comptroller
— Alana Cantillo, Office of the New York City Comptroller
“IRI is thorough, smart, engaged, and collaborative.”
— Su Patel, New York Immigration Coalition
— Su Patel, New York Immigration Coalition

Research Hub

Immigrants Are a Vital Part of New York State

New York
April 1, 2026
New York is home to 4.5 million immigrants who contribute to the state as workers, business owners, caregivers and taxpayers, with especially vital roles in healthcare, construction, restaurants, and domestic care. With regional and county-level data, IRI offers a closer look at how immigrants help communities across New York thrive.
Read the report

The Entrepreneurial Spirit: A Profile of Business Owners Across the United States

March 19, 2026
Entrepreneurship strengthens communities and local economies nationwide, with immigrants, women, and African Americans playing a vital role as business owners, job creators and drivers of economic vibrancy.
Read the report

Immigrants Add to the Vibrancy of Minneapolis

Minneapolis, Minnesota
January 28, 2026
Immigrants strengthen the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area by contributing to economic growth, supporting local businesses and adding vibrancy to neighborhoods as business owners and essential contributors to everyday life.
Read the report
Explore the Research Hub

Immigration Essentials

How immigration shapes our economy, our communities, and our country.

Enter here
IRI Insights

What we’re … thinking reading hearing doing supporting

July 16, 2026

ICE Raids Are Hurting Local Businesses

David Dyssegaard Kallick

David discusses his take on research that shows that escalating ICE raids are disrupting local economies by driving away customers, straining small businesses, and creating lasting economic consequences for entire communities.

July 9, 2026

Budgets Reflect Our Values: What New York’s FY 2027 Budget Delivers for Immigrants

Shamier Settle

Shamier highlights how New York’s FY 2027 budget supports immigrant communities through key investments, policy protections, and funding priorities that shape the state’s future.

View All