IRI Insights

Thoughtful analysis and timely perspectives from the Immigration Research Initiative team on the latest news, activism, reports from others, and more.

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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.

August 12, 2026

The Delicate Tightrope of Public Charge Narratives 

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

When Legal Status is Rescinded: The End of TPS for Haitians

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.

July 30, 2026

The Care Crisis We Are Creating: Immigrant Workers Sustain Elder Care. Mass Deportation Threatens It.

As the demand for elder care grows, immigrant caregivers are essential to meeting the nation’s needs— but mass deportation policies could undermine the workforce families rely on every day. 

July 27, 2026

ICE Raids and Employment Loss in Northern New England

David examines the impact on the local economy of Northern New England if immigrants most at risk are arrested.

July 21, 2026

New Street Vendor Reforms Will Dramatically Increase Licenses in NYC-a Historic Win for Entrepreneurs and Immigrants 

Shamier reflects on the journey to reform for Street Vendors and how evidence can help move policy and vendor power forward.

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.