The 2025 IWB Conference, co-hosted by the Im/migrant Wellbeing Research Center and The George Washington University鈥檚 Cisneros Hispanic Leadership Institute, has successfully wrapped up, leaving attendees and participants inspired by the depth and breadth of discussions centered around immigration policy and research. This year's theme, "Intergenerational Impacts," not only spotlighted the critical intersection of academic research and policy but also illuminated the proactive steps we can take to forge a future where inclusive policies bolster the well-being of immigrants across generations. Through engaging panels, workshops, and keynote addresses, the conference provided a platform for deep and meaningful discussions, setting the stage for ongoing collaborations and transformative policy initiatives.
Panel Insights and Community Engagement
The conference featured insightful panels that explored the multifaceted aspects of immigration law and enforcement and the socioeconomic and health-related impacts on immigrant populations. Discussions covered a range of pressing topics, from legal procedures expediting deportations to the role of state supervision as a determinant of health and well-being among immigrants. These panels provided comprehensive analyses and robust policy recommendations and facilitated an illuminating exchange between academic researchers and members of local nonprofit organizations. These organizations, often the first responders to the crises affecting immigrant communities, engaged deeply with panelists, asking incisive questions and offering suggestions for policy and research tailored to their unique insights and experiences. The presence of these nonprofits highlighted the conference鈥檚 role as a conduit for vital dialogue between researchers and practitioners on the front lines. Their contributions enriched the discussions, grounding them in real-world applications and emphasizing the practical implications of academic research.
The conference鈥檚 workshop sessions were also noted for their effectiveness in bridging the gap between academic research and policy implementation. Participants praised these workshops for providing practical strategies to translate research findings into actionable policy recommendations, a process enhanced by direct interactions with policymakers. Feedback from attendees celebrated the conference's meticulous organization and design and the clarity of its visual presentations, which together created an engaging and informative experience.
Intersecting Policy and Immigrant Well-being
The conference accentuated the necessity for policies that acknowledge and address the complex realities of immigrant lives. It called for a reevaluation of current approaches and encouraged the integration of comprehensive, evidence-based research in policy-making processes to ensure that immigrant well-being is not sidelined in the pursuit of stringent immigration controls.
Meet the dedicated organizing committee of the 2025 IWB Conference, from left to right:
Marko S谩nchez (Communications Intern, George Washington University), Dr. Elizabeth
Vaquera (Co-Chair, GWU), Trey Johnston (Director, GWU), Annabelle Manzo (Policy Associate,
GWU), Dr. Elizabeth Aranda (Co-Chair, 黑料网吃瓜爆料), Thomas J. Rachko,
Jr. (Policy Lead, GWU), and Liz Ventura Molina (Research Development Lead, USF). Their
collective expertise and leadership were instrumental in steering the conference towards
success.
Moving Forward: Integrating Research with Policy
As the curtains closed on the 2025 IWB Conference, the atmosphere was charged with a sense of unity and purpose. The gathering was not just a conference; it was a vibrant assembly of minds and hearts, all converging to enhance the well-being of immigrants. Attendees鈥攆rom nonprofit leaders and policymakers to researchers and students鈥攕hared an incredible sense of camaraderie, bound by a common goal to support immigrant communities. The significance of these gatherings cannot be overstated. They serve as crucial hubs where all stakeholders in the immigrant experience come together to exchange ideas, forge alliances, and catalyze change. Nonprofits felt particularly empowered. Their interactions with academics and policymakers validated their day-to-day experiences and ensured that their on-the-ground insights were woven into the fabric of research and policy discussions. Their voices, once echoes on the periphery of academic discourse, were heard loud and clear, shaping the conference's outcomes and future directions. Reflecting on the conference's role in championing inclusive practices, Jos茅 Aguilar, Executive Director of Aguilar Salud Inc., emphasized, 鈥淚n a time when access to care is increasingly politicized, our commitment must remain unwavering: to uplift, educate, and create pathways that affirm dignity and well-being for all.鈥� He highlighted how the conference served as a vital platform for advancing discussions that prioritize the health and dignity of immigrants, fostering an environment where every participant can contribute to shaping a more equitable future.
The connections made here were profound. Participants spoke of the exhilaration of being surrounded by others who understand and share their dedication to immigrant well-being. The opportunity to network was invaluable, sparking discussions that are set to evolve into collaborative projects and shared research endeavors. The promise of future collaborations filled the air, painting a hopeful picture of what collective effort can achieve. Crucially, the conference served as a nurturing ground for research poised to reach wider academic circles. Several of the studies presented, some still in completion stages, have the potential to be featured in upcoming editions of the Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies (JEMS), providing an opportunity for these critical insights to influence a broader scholarly audience and impact ongoing policy debates.