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

July 16, 2026

ICE Raids Are Hurting Local Businesses

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 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.

July 6, 2026

Beyond the “Criminal” Narrative: Reality vs Rhetoric 

Cyierra examines the gap between the federal administration’s rhetoric about targeting immigrants with criminal records and the reality that many immigrants being detained by ICE have no criminal convictions.

July 2, 2026

Thinking About the 4th of July 

If you are looking for a meaningful way to dig a little deeper into the meaning of America, David suggests some pieces written by IRI Advisory Board Members. 

July 2, 2026

A Push to De-Document Immigrants

The Supreme Court decision allowing the administration to “de-document” immigrants by stripping work authorization and protected status from Haitian and Syrian immigrants.

June 26, 2026

Street Vendor Exhibit at the Museum of Food and Drink in Brooklyn

IRI’s Street Vendor report was featured at the Museum of Food and Drink (MOFAD) in Brooklyn, in an exhibit that feels like it was designed to bring the IRI survey to life!