IRI Insights
Thoughtful analysis and timely perspectives from the Immigration Research Initiative team on the latest news, activism, reports from others, and more.
What we’re … thinking reading hearing doing supporting
October 8, 2026
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 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
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
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
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
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
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, 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
August 13, 2026
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.
August 12, 2026
The new public charge rule from the Trump administration leaves immigrant rights advocates in a complicated narrative position. Immigrants’ rights groups — as well as state and local agencies, educators, and health and social service providers — must walk the line between communicating the harsh impacts of this new policy without stoking the fear it intends to incite among immigrant groups.
August 4, 2026
Shamier highlights the FAQ NYC podcast interview with Murad Awawdeh, President of the New York Immigration Coalition, as a key resource for understanding the impact of the ending of TPS for Haitians, and emphasizes emergency planning for families.