What we are IRI Insights

October 8, 2026

Economic Policy Institute and a Critical State-Level Network

The Economic Policy Institute’s (EPI) EARN conference is always a highlight of my year. The convening last week was particularly special, since it coincided with EPI’s 40th Anniversary.

September 29, 2026

A New Chicago Report Adds to the Growing List of Studies on the Economic Damage of the Deportation Regime

A new report from Chicago’s Cook County adds to a growing body of evidence that spikes in ICE arrests lead to economic impacts that harm both immigrants and U.S.-born workers, on top of the shocking human rights abuses. The report from Cook County measured a loss of $1.25 billion in foot traffic from Latine consumers.

September 22, 2026

Building One Community in Stamford

A reflection on the human and economic impact of immigration enforcement in Stamford and the importance of building communities where immigrants are welcomed, supported and able to contribute.

September 15, 2026

What it Means to Be Seen

Shamier critiques the federal administration’s proposed 2030 census changes — which would exclude non-citizens without green cards and eliminate race, ethnicity, and sexual-orientation data — arguing they would undermine the accurate count that shapes voting maps, federal funding, and civil rights protections, while committing IRI to advocating for a full and fair 2030 census.

September 10, 2026

287(g) Agreements Make Communities Less Safe

This blog explores how 287(g) agreements undermine trust in local law enforcement, divert public resources, and threaten the safety, stability, and economic well-being of communities across New York.

September 8, 2026

A New Program Connecting Immigrant Entrepreneurs to Business Resources

E Pluribus is launching a national peer network to connect immigrant entrepreneurs to business resources and new opportunities to grow their businesses.

September 3, 2026

A New NILC Report Highlights the Impacts ICE is Having on Schools

The National Immigration Law Center published a report last month exploring the impacts ICE activity and mass deportation efforts have had on public schools. The report confirms many of the predictions immigration advocates have made since the Trump administration took office in 2025.

August 25, 2026

From Buffalo to Long Island: New York’s Immigrant Story Beyond New York City

From Buffalo to Long Island, immigrants are helping shape New York’s communities and economy, revealing a statewide immigrant story that extends far beyond New York City.

August 20, 2026

How States Can Fight Back: An Example from New York 

Shamier argues that states are not powerless against federal immigration enforcement policies and can look to New York as a model for how to resist.
August 13, 2026

Three Reports, One Verdict: Mass Deportation Is Costing Everyone

Shamier synthesizes new research from America’s Voice, Economic Policy Institute, and the Immigration Research Initiative to show that mass deportation’s costs — lost jobs, higher prices, billions in public spending — fall on everyone.