On Becoming Immigrant Women in the US: A Strength-Based Approach to Leveraging Opportunities
What is the status of immigrant women in the US in general and in New York in particular? Do they face employment and economic inequality compared to their foreign-born male and native-born female counterparts? Is there a double disadvantage of being foreign-born and a woman in the U.S? Is there a double wage penalty? Do immigrant women have a higher unemployment rate? Do they experience underemployment as a demographic group due to non-recognition of foreign-obtained degrees and experience? Do they access high-paying jobs, healthcare, and education? Where do they stand with respect to language proficiency? Do they have a higher risk of intimate partner violence? Are culturally and linguistically appropriate services, providing shelter, legal aid, and support, available to them? Do support services exist for women whose gendered cultural expectations restrict them to the domestic sphere, causing social isolation and limiting integration? This webinar hosted by the Institute oin Immigrant Integration Research and Policy on March 26, 2026, shares the latest data on foreign-born women and examines model programs for addressing their unique needs and overcoming social, economic, and political challenges they face in integrating into their communities. View the program page here: https://rockinst.org/rig-events/2026-events/on-becoming-immigrant-women-in-the-us/
View VideoUntangling Intersections of Race/Ethnicity with Nativity Status in Lives of Foreign-Born Americans
Foreign-born Americans from non-European countries may face discrimination in hiring, wages, and promotions. They may earn less than their White native-born counterparts even with comparable education and experience. They may also be disproportionately funneled into low-paying, high-risk jobs, which limit upward mobility. Discriminatory practices are also experienced in housing, leading to neighborhood segregation. Foreign-born of color often live in marginalized neighborhoods due to systemic racism in housing policies and affordability issues. These neighborhoods are frequently exposed to pollution, poor infrastructure, and lower access to clean air, water, and healthy food. Children of racialized immigrant backgrounds may have unequal access to education as they are more likely to attend underfunded schools and face language barriers without adequate support. They may experience racism from peers or educators, leading to lower self-esteem, academic disengagement, and disciplinary disparities. Their history and perspectives are excluded from the curricula. Foreign-born of color may receive lower quality care due to language barriers, implicit bias, and racism in the healthcare system. They may also report lower health outcomes than their White counterparts. They may also experience increased risk of anxiety, depression, and trauma because of cultural dislocation, xenophobia, and racism. Media and political discourse may also contribute to the stigmatization of foreign-born of color and fuel exclusionary narrative and policies leading to disintegration, providing fertile grounds for hate crime, violence, social stigma, stereotypes, marginalization, and hostility. In this webinar from the Institute on Immigrant Integration Research and Policy, we examine theory-driven models of promoting cross-cultural understanding and examine frameworks for fostering cross-racial, inclusive, and harmonious relations. Best practices in integrated schooling, intercultural exchange, workplace diversity initiatives, identity-based education, and multicultural policies that affirm multiple group identities and culturally responsive teaching and learning will be examined. This webinar was recorded on February 19, 2026.
View VideoBeyond Inclusion: Expanding the Opportunity Structure for Foreign-Born Americans with Disabilities
Foreign-born Americans often report lower rates of disability compared to their native-born counterparts. This may be due to several reasons, including underreporting due to cultural stigma, lack of knowledge about disabilities, language barriers, and fear of affecting immigration status. Foreign-born Americans develop disabilities at a higher rate than their native-born counterparts, as they are more likely to be exposed to working in physically demanding jobs and deal with acculturative stress. Unlike their native-born counterparts, however, they may have lower access to preventive and support services because of language and communication challenges, lack of awareness of rights and available services, legal status restrictions, distrust, and different understanding of disabilities. This webinar from the Institute on Immigrant Integration Research and Policy brings together a panel of experts to examine the intersections of nativity status with disability to deepen understanding of how systems of healthcare, education, employment, and housing can create more inclusive access and expand opportunity structures for foreign-born Americans with disabilities. Evidence-based models and best practices are discussed. The webinar was recorded on January 22, 2026.
View VideoWhat Is the State of Social Integration of New Americans in NYS: Findings from a Study by III-RP
In partnership with several immigrant-serving community-based organizations, the Institute on Immigrant Integration Research & Policy started collecting survey data on social integration in the fall of 2024. The survey seeks to gauge the perspectives of immigrant New Yorkers in each of the ten New York State regions on several dimensions of psychosocial integration including (a) sense of connectedness; (b) navigational integration; (c) English proficiency; (d) sense of support; (e) resiliency; (f) self-concept; (f) context of reception; (g) multicultural orientation; and (h) well-being. In this webinar, which took place on May 30, 2025, researchers shared the findings of the study and discussed recommendations for policy and practice to address gaps and leverage opportunities for increasing social integration for foreign-born New Yorkers in the State.
View VideoBuilding Inclusive Workplace Cultures and Social Integration of Foreign-Born Workers
This webinar from the Institute on Immigrant Integration Research and Policy was held on April 24, 2025. There is no doubt that the multicultural workplace is here to stay. The inability to cross cultural divides and employ a multicultural lens in understanding immigrant employees can hinder their access, survival, and advancement in the workplace. What can workplaces do to ensure the social integration of their foreign-born workers? What skills do native and foreign-born workers need to thrive in a multicultural workplace? It is often said that immigrant workers “show up differently” and those differences can create misunderstanding and unfair disadvantage. What are the best practices to create a socially integrated workplace? Panelists: • Stephanie Alman, National Program Director, Upwardly Global • Kevin Borden, Principal/Owner, SILO Ventures • Mohamed Thiam, CNY Community Advocate and Organizer • David Monda, Immigrant Integration Fellow, Institute on Immigrant Integration Research and Policy • Jeong Taek Lim, Immigrant Integration Fellow, Institute on Immigrant Integration Research and Policy • Dina Refki, Executive Director, Institute on Immigrant Integration Research and Policy View the full program, with panelists' bios and schedules: https://rockinst.org/rig-events/2025-events/building-inclusive-workplace-cultures-and-social-integration-of-foreign-born-workers/
View VideoThe Educational System and the Social Integration of Foreign-Born Children
Political, social, and economic upheaval experienced in many parts of the world led to the displacement of many young children and their families and their arrival to the US seeking protection and stability. Educational systems in New York State are consistently confronted with the challenge of integrating refugees, asylees, and other immigrant children and fortifying mechanisms to ensure their success. This webinar discusses lessons learned around the country and the world in integrating immigrant children into educational systems. Speakers tackle various questions, including what institutional arrangements facilitate or hinder immigrant children’s success. What are the best practices for increasing capacity for English language learning and bilingual education? Additionally, the pre-migration experiences of children who have been exposed to trauma and armed conflict mandate attention to their mental health support and treatment. Models of school interventions that can facilitate social and mental well-being for immigrant children are examined. Presenters: • Melissa Aviles-Ramos, Chancellor, New York City Public Schools • Gladys I. Cruz, District Superintendent, Questar III BOCES • Corinne Kentor, Manager of Research and Policy, Presidents' Alliance on Higher Education • Rachel Stead, Interim Director of ENL and Refugee Students, City School District of Albany • Adriana R. Mintarsih, Immigrant Integration Fellow, Institute on Immigrant Integration Research and Policy • Guillermo Martinez, Deputy Director & Intergovernmental Liaison, Institute on Immigrant Integration Research and Policy • Dina Refki, Executive Director, Institute on Immigrant Integration Research and Policy View the full program, with panelists' bios and schedules: https://rockinst.org/rig-events/2025-events/the-educational-system-and-the-social-integration-of-foreign-born-children/
View VideoCommunity-Based Models for Creating Connected and Integrated Communities
As the nation faces a backlash against immigration and with the rise of national populist and nativist rhetoric that threatens to deepen divisions, fear, and distance between foreign-born and native-born community members, models that combat such divisions are more important than ever. These interventions bridge the gaps and repair fissures. They seek to cultivate a mutual understanding of the ties that bind, deconstruct stereotypes, and illuminate the shared humanity and shared futures. This webinar from the Institute on Immigrant Integration Research and Policy showcased models that intentionally build connected and integrated communities and activate skills of empathy and altruism. These models combat exclusionary narratives and promote social unity and cohesion. They strengthen social capital and fortify support networks. Replication and scaling up of these models was explored. View the full program, with panelists bios and schedules: https://rockinst.org/rig-events/2025-events/community-based-models-for-creating-connected-and-integrated-communities/
View VideoInclusive Governance—Frameworks, Policies & Practices that Foster Social Cohesion, Trust & Belonging
The Institute on Immigrant Integration Research and Policy held a webinar on January 30, 2025, on theoretical and applied models of inclusive governance. The program is available here: https://rockinst.org/rig-events/2025-events/inclusive-governance-frameworks-policies-practices-that-foster-social-cohesion-trust-and-belonging/ Local governments that can employ inclusive governance increase citizens’ trust, build resilient communities, and promote social well-being and cohesion. United, organized, and well-connected communities overcome challenges, strengthen social capital, leverage their human capital and assets productively, and avoid waste and gaps associated with disconnected and fragmented communities. Governments expect to (a) govern responsibly by including immigrant social integration goals in their strategic and implementation plans, (b) conduct regular needs assessments of their communities, (c) communicate inclusive messages about the value immigrants bring; (d) include members of the immigrant community in planning, developing, implementing and evaluating their strategic and operational plans; (e) ensure the institutionalization of mechanisms through which the needs of immigrant members of the community are addressed; (f) institute policies and practices that protect them from exploitation and discrimination; and (g) monitor, evaluate, and audit the implementation of policies and practices to root out any exclusionary approaches. Panelists: • Beroro T. Efekoro, Albany County Legislator, District 7 • Nele Feldmann, Director, Welcome Corps on Campus, Community Sponsorship Hub • David Khoudour, Human Mobility Advisor within the Recovery Solutions and Human Mobility Team at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) • Wooksoo Kim, Director, Immigrant and Refugee Research Institute (IRRI) • Guillermo Martinez, Deputy Director & Intergovernmental Liaison, Institute on Immigrant Integration Research and Policy • Luis E. Montes, Former Assistant Deputy County Executive, Suffolk County, New York • Dina Refki, Executive Director, Institute on Immigrant Integration Research and Policy
View VideoHarnessing the Power of Foreign-Born Residents' Economic Contributions
Effective integration of foreign-born Americans in the labor market is a critical economic, social, and political policy objective. Programs, practices, and policies designed to advance this objective seek to dismantle barriers that foreign-born Americans face in their quest to become productive members of their adopted societies. As part of their fellowship, the 2023 Fellows on Immigrant Integration at the Institute on Immigrant Integration Research and Policy examined model programs that address challenges facing foreign-born Americans and that provide credential recognition, retraining, education, and access to capital to build thriving immigrant-owned businesses. They also examined the role of government, higher education institutions, and the nonprofit sector, as well as the role of cross-sector partnerships, in deepening and broadening the reach of these programs. This webinar, held on Thursday, August 24, 2023, the fellows shared their findings and discussed the characteristics, structure, and gaps in the service system that exists to advance the economic integration of foreign-born Americans in the New York State labor market. ►[00:30] Introductions 🗣 Guillermo Martinez, Deputy Director & Intergovernmental Liaison, Institute on Immigrant Integration Research and Policy 🗣 Robert Megna, President, Rockefeller Institute of Government 🗣 Dina Refki, Executive Director, Institute on Immigrant Integration Research and Policy ► [9:50] Welcoming Address 🗣 Robert J. Rodriguez, Secretary of State, New York State Panelists: 🗣[25:13] Ken Silverman, Immigrant Integration Fellow 🗣[34:19] Joaquin Sanchez Gomez, Immigrant Integration Fellow 🗣[39:20] Asha Venugopalan, Immigrant Integration Fellow 🗣[47:50] Soshee Shin, Immigrant Integration Fellow 🗣[55:58] Tsveta Dobreva, Immigrant Integration Fellow ► [1:04:18] Moderated Discussion ► [1:45:16] Closing Remarks 🗣 Dina Refki, Executive Director, Institute on Immigrant Integration Research and Policy View the full speaker bios here.
View VideoBetween Stewardship and Laissez Faire: The Future of Immigrant Entrepreneurship
This webinar, held by the Institute on Immigrant Integration Research and Policy, discussed immigrant entrepreneurs, their impact on the New York economy, and their ability to access banking systems, loans, and capital to start and maintain their businesses. The panelists touched on opportunities and obstacles facing immigrant entrepreneurs and shared their insights into how the local, state, and national economies impact entrepreneurship. They also suggested improving policies and programs aimed at immigrant entrepreneurship. Immigrants are twice as likely as their native counterparts to become entrepreneurs, according to the Kauffman Foundation. Research on immigrant entrepreneurship reveals that foreign-born residents may have higher motivation for creating business ventures than their native-born counterparts. This may result from hindered access to salaried jobs in the mainstream economy. Still, it can also be a deliberate choice that capitalizes on the promise of higher potential earnings, time flexibility, and economic opportunity. Immigrant entrepreneurs face a multitude of barriers in their quest to create successful businesses because of poor access to local financial resources, knowledge of the labor market, laws, regulations, and institutions. Lack of English language skills and lack of access to social capital can also serve as a barrier to building effective ventures. ►[00:00] Introductions 🗣 Guillermo Martinez, Deputy Director & Intergovernmental Liaison, Institute on Immigrant Integration Research and Policy 🗣 Dina Refki, Executive Director, Institute on Immigrant Integration Research and Policy ►[00:04:36] Keynote Remarks | Navigating the Waters of Immigrant Entrepreneurship: My Story 🗣 Nasser Jaber, Chef, Entrepreneur, and Founder, The Migrant Kitchen and The Migrant Kitchen Initiative [00:16:10] Special Presentations | The Promise of Immigrant Entrepreneurship and Issues to be Resolved 🗣Asha Venugopalan, Immigrant Integration Fellow, Institute on Immigrant Integration Research and Policy ►[00:27:47] Round Table Discussion 🗣Moderators: Dina Refki, executive director, Institute on Immigrant Integration Research and Policy and Asha Venugopalan, Immigrant Integration Fellow, Institute on Immigrant Integration Research and Policy 🗣 [00:28:34] Assemblymember Al Stirpe, Assemblymember, District 127, New York State Assembly 🗣[00:36:23] Senator Sean Ryan, Senator, Senate District 61, New York State Senate 🗣[00:43:40] Nasser Jaber, Chef, Entrepreneur, and Founder, The Migrant Kitchen and The Migrant Kitchen Initiative 🗣[00:49:03]Danielle Davis, Director, BIPOC Business Growth, The Capital Region Chamber 🗣[1:02:02] Kristine Rudgers, Small Business Advisor, America’s Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) 🗣[1:06:20] Carlos Flores Figueroa, Vice President, Business Development, Center for Economic Growth (CEG) 🗣[1:10:19] Ahyoung Kim, director, economic empowerment, Asian American Federation ►[1:31:29] Closing Remarks 🗣 Dina Refki, Executive Director, Institute on Immigrant Integration Research and Policy
View VideoThe Role of Higher Education Institutions in Immigrant Integration
On Wednesday, February 28th, 2024, the Institute on Immigrant Integration Research and Policy, hosted The Role of Higher Education Institutions in Immigrant Integration webinar. This webinar explores promising models within the State University of New York (SUNY) and the City University of New York (CUNY) systems that enable immigrant-origin students to achieve integration at the academic, social, professional, and communal levels. These high-performing institutions build and maintain coordinated and integrated community-wide support systems that address immigrant-origin students’ needs through services, which include tutoring, academic guidance and support, mentoring, coaching, case management, and proactive advisement. Speaker Bios: https://rockinst.org/rig-events/webinars/2024-webinars/the-role-of-higher-education-institutions-in-immigrant-integration/ ►[00:00:53] Introductions 🗣 Guillermo Martinez, Deputy Director & Intergovernmental Liaison, Institute on Immigrant Integration Research and Policy 🗣 Dina Refki, Executive Director, Institute on Immigrant Integration Research and Policy ►[00:06:36] Keynote Presentation 🗣 Diya Abdo, Lincoln Financial Professor, English and Creative Writing, Guilford College [00:30:48] Panelist Presentation | Immigrants, Refugees, and Undcoumented Students: Barriers to Accessing Higher Education 🗣 Tsveta Dobreva, Immigrant Integration Fellow, Institute on Immigrant Integration Research and Policy [00:43:09] Panelist Presentation | CUNY Undocumented and Immigrant Student Programs 🗣 Cynthia Nayeli Carvajal, Director, Undocumented and Immigrant Student Programs, City University of New York [01:04:03] Panelist Presentation | CUNY Undocumented and Immigrant Student Programs 🗣 Ali Schaeffing, Assistant Professor of Geography, and Director, Service Learning & Community Engagement, Russell Sage College 🗣Catherine Willis, Every Campus a Refuge Coordinator, Hudson Valley Community College, SUNY ►[1:27:35] Closing Remarks 🗣 Dina Refki, Executive Director, Institute on Immigrant Integration Research and Policy
View VideoCredentialing & Licensing of Foreign-Obtained Degrees & Workforce Development for Foreign-Born NYers
On Tuesday, March 19th, the Institute on Immigrant Immigration Research and Policy held a webinar examining the workforce development of immigrants as a primary driver of economic mobility, social integration, and civic incorporation in American society. Speakers addressed the barriers and challenges immigrant workers face as they seek to access and maintain employment opportunities that leverage their talents and skills and provide livable wages. This webinar explored the service infrastructure established by the nonprofit sector, which is usually separate from traditional American educational systems. Speakers showcased models of organizations that seek to address under-skilling, upskilling, and advancement. They represent a new paradigm of immigrant workforce development, which includes not only work-based trainings, but coaching, mentoring, and direct services that address basic needs as well as employer engagement to ensure equitable hiring practices, inclusive work environments, and the structuring of workforce development programs that respond to employers’ needs. ►[00:00:06] Introductions 🗣 Guillermo Martinez, Deputy Director & Intergovernmental Liaison, Institute on Immigrant Integration Research and Policy 🗣 Dina Refki, Executive Director, Institute on Immigrant Integration Research and Policy ►[00:04:06] Presentation | Workforce Development Policies for Immigrants 🗣Joaquin Sanchez Gomes, Immigrant Integration Fellow, Institute on Immigrant Integration Research and Policy ►[00:14:49] Keynote Remarks | Jina Krause-Vilmar 🗣 Jina Krause-Vilmar, President and CEO at Upwardly Global ► [00:36:11] Presentation | Foreign Credential Recognition Models: Pros & Cons 🗣Ken Silverman, Immigrant Integration Fellow, Institute on Immigrant Integration Research and Policy ►[00:47:41] Round Table Discussion 🗣Moderator: Dina Refki, executive director, Institute on Immigrant Integration Research and Policy 🗣 [00:48:17] Paul Feltman, Deputy Executive Director for Global Talent Policy and Programs, World Education Services 🗣 [00:56:20] Jina Krause-Vilmar, President and CEO at Upwardly Global 🗣[01:01:21] Mirvet Al Bassam, Lead Job Coach, International Institute of Buffalo 🗣[01:06:48] Bob Doyle, Assistant Director, Grants and Special Programs, International Institute of Buffalo 🗣[01:11:36] Naomi Alboim, Senior Policy Fellow, Canada Excellence Research Chair in Migration and Integration, Toronto Metropolitan University ►[01:31:29] Closing Remarks 🗣 Dina Refki, Executive Director, Institute on Immigrant Integration Research and Policy
View VideoResearch Findings: English Language Learning Practices and Programs in New York State
Immigrants’ ability to effectively communicate using the English language is integral to economic mobility, social integration, and civic incorporation. Join the Institute on Immigrant Integration Research and Policy on Wednesday, March 27th at 10:00 a.m. for a webinar presentation on the current state of practice of English language learning models in New York State. Speakers will map the infrastructure of programs in New York and around the country, analyzing how programs are structured and designed. The presentation will outline gaps and barriers in accessing services and implementing promising programs and examine the policy implications of these findings. ►►[00:00:11] Introductions 🗣 Guillermo Martinez, Deputy Director & Intergovernmental Liaison, Institute on Immigrant Integration Research and Policy 🗣 Dina Refki, Executive Director, Institute on Immigrant Integration Research and Policy ►►[00:03:49] Keynote Remarks | Hattie Quarnstrom-Figueroa 🗣 Hattie Quarnstrom-Figueroa, Director of Operations, New York State Office of New Americans ►►[00:12:47] Presentation | English Language Learning Policies, Practices, and Programs in New York: A Research Synthesis 🗣[00:13:17] Beth Clark-Gareca, Associate Professor and Director, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) K-12, Binghamton University, State University of New York ►►[00:15:15] Presentation Part 1 | Systematic Literature Review 🗣[00:15:34] Mina Lee, Assistant Professor, Social Work, Binghamton University, State University of New York 🗣[00:30:04] Sawsan Werfelli, Assistant Professor, Social Work, Binghamton University, State University of New York ►► [00:32:30] Presentation Part 2 | Expert Interviews 🗣[00:32:30] Beth Clark-Gareca, Associate Professor and Director, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) K-12, Binghamton University, State University of New York 🗣[00:48:58] Ala Marciuc, Doctoral Candidate, Teaching, Learning, and Educational Leadership, Binghamton University, State University of New York ►► [00:57:43] Presentation Part 3 | Practice, Program, and Policy Implications 🗣[00:57:46] Beth Clark-Gareca, Associate Professor and Director, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) K-12, Binghamton University, State University of New York 🗣[01:03:51] Mina Lee, Assistant Professor, Social Work, Binghamton University, State University of New York 🗣[01:07:50] Beth Clark-Gareca, Associate Professor and Director, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) K-12, Binghamton University, State University of New York ►[01:10:47] Questions and Answers ►[01:26:15] Closing Remarks 🗣 Dina Refki, Executive Director, Institute on Immigrant Integration Research and Policy REFERENCES: Event Program:
View VideoResearch Findings: Programs & Practices Addressing Social Determinants of Health & Healthcare Access
On Wednesday, March 27th, the Institute on Immigrant Integration Research and Policy held a webinar presentation on the current state of practice of English language learning models in New York State. Immigrants’ ability to effectively communicate using the English language is integral to economic mobility, social integration, and civic incorporation. Speakers will map the infrastructure of programs in New York and around the country, analyzing how programs are structured and designed. The presentation will outline gaps and barriers in accessing services and implementing promising programs and examine the policy implications of these findings. ►►[00:00:05] Introductions 🗣 Guillermo Martinez, Deputy Director & Intergovernmental Liaison, Institute on Immigrant Integration Research and Policy 🗣 Dina Refki, Executive Director, Institute on Immigrant Integration Research and Policy ►►[00:03:45] Keynote Remarks | Steven Choi 🗣 Steven Choi, Former Executive Director, New York Immigration Coalition ►►[00:19:39] Presentation | The Importance of Interrupting Social Determinants of Health for Foreign-Born New Yorkers 🗣[00:19:56] Nicole Saint-Louis, Associate Professor & Director, Undergraduate Social Work Program, Social Work, Lehman College, City University of New York 🗣[00:28:59] Amanda Sisselman-Borgia, Associate Professor, Department of Social Work, Lehman College, City University of New York ►► [00:43:40] Round Table Discussion | 🗣Steven Choi, Former Executive Director, New York Immigration Coalition 🗣Nicole Saint-Louis, Associate Professor & Director, Undergraduate Social Work Program, Social Work, Lehman College, City University of New York 🗣Amanda Sisselman-Borgia, Associate Professor, Department of Social Work, Lehman College, City University of New York ►[01:26:22] Closing Remarks 🗣 Dina Refki, Executive Director, Institute on Immigrant Integration Research and Policy Transcript was generated using AI software and may contain errors.
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