On Tuesday, September 24, the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences (CCAS) kicked off the “Dean’s Election Conversation Series” with an interdisciplinary discussion featuring George Washington University professors and research experts who analyze immigration and migration from historical, political, and cultural perspectives. The conversation aimed to provide insights into historical and current immigration policies, and the role of these policies in this year’s election.
Moderated by CCAS Dean Paul Wahlbeck, the panelists included Dr. Elizabeth Chaco, professor of geography and international affairs; Dr. Thomas Guglielmo, professor of American studies and history; Dr. Kimberly Morgan, professor of political science and international affairs, and Dr. Elizabeth Vaquera, Director of the Cisneros Hispanic Leadership Institute and professor of sociology and public policy/public administration.
Dr. Guglielmo and Dr. Chaco outlined the complex history of U.S. immigration, highlighting key turning points such as the 1924 Immigration Act and 1965 Immigration Nationality Act. Dr. Morgan and Dr. Chaco also explained how migration patterns across the southern border have diversified, driven by changes in migration causes and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The discussion also addressed on the impact of immigration policy on immigrant communities. Dr. Vaquera highlighted her research on DACA recipients, emphasizing the adverse effects of an uncertain legal status on the mental health and social well-being of undocumented and their families. She also referenced the ongoing research project, Caminos al Bienestar/Pathways to Health, led by Dr. Kathleen Roche from GW’s Milken School of Public Health, which found that anti-immigrant policy climates can harm parent-child relationships and jeopardize the well-being of Latino youth.
Future sessions will cover topics such as the economy and election analysis. For more information on upcoming sessions, click this link.