Events

Join us on May 1, 2026 for Broken by Design: Refuge and Responsibility. Discover the work driving solutions, fostering resilience and supporting those forcibly displaced. This symposium invites scholars, practitioners, community members, and students to learn, connect, and reimagine what is possible. Stay tuned via social media or by subscribing to our newsletter for future details on speakers and sessions.

Register here.

Accounting for Context, Culture, and Stress: Asylum Client Interviews 

On March 11th, 2026, the Asylum and Immigration Law Clinic hosted a workshop led by DMC Practitioner Venera Bekteshi. This workshop was open to legal service providers and accredited representatives. The session introduced practical strategies for approaching client interviews with greater context and care, while also inviting participants to preview and contribute feedback to a developing toolkit designed to support practitioners working with asylum applicants. Through discussion and collaboration, the workshop highlighted the importance of trauma-informed practices and culturally aware interviewing techniques in strengthening both advocacy and due process for those seeking protection.

Speakers: Venera Bekteshi

Transformation in the Face of Instability: Nuevos Vecinos Volunteers Share Their Stories 

On February 25, 2026, a community feedback session was held at Nuevos Vecinos, an organization dedicated to the dignity of migrants and providing them with needed resources, to share preliminary findings from a research study based on fifteen in-depth interviews with Nuevos Vecinos volunteers. The presentation highlighted a central themes that emerged from the interviews including transformation. 

Participants described arriving in Chicago during a period of crisis and instability and eventually becoming leaders who serve their own community through volunteer work. The findings showed that 93% of interviewees described shelter life as stressful or traumatic, and 67% reported arriving in Chicago with little or nothing. Nearly half of the volunteers interviewed began to volunteer within two to four weeks of receiving assistance.Additional findings emphasized the importance of dignity, community, and information-sharing within the organization. Thirty-three percent of participants described gaining confidence through receiving clothing for job interviews, while 87% referred to the Nuevos Vecinos community as “family.” Participants also described the organization as a critical information hub for legal and housing resources, especially in contrast to shelters where 40% reported limited access to helpful information. The session concluded with an informal conversation and a shared meal. The session concluded with reflection, conversation, and a shared meal, reinforcing the collaborative partnership between community members and researchers. Special thanks to Professor Monica Reyes for leading this research as part of the Solutions Lab initiative.

From Passion to Action: Immigration Advocacy in a Rapidly Changing Environment

On November 4, 2025, the virtual alumni career panel From Passion to Action: Immigration Advocacy in a Rapidly Changing World focused on advocacy in action and featured professionals in the field of migration sharing their experience and perspective on navigating rapid changes to law, policy, and culture in the United States.

The three panelists included Guadalupe Perez (DePaul Law ’16), Claire Holba (DePaul RFMS ’23), and Camilla Mroczkowski (DePaul Law ’23). Lupe Perez is the President of the Midwest Immigration Bond Fund and a staff attorney at the Law Office of the Cook County Public Defender, Immigration Division. Camilla Mroczkowski serves as an immigration staff attorney for Legal Aid Society–Metropolitan Family Services Chicago. Claire Holba works with the Niskanen Center as an immigration policy analyst.

The panelists discussed challenges, moments of hope, advocacy in response to current events, and advice for students interested in the field. Key insights included ways individuals can support their communities during difficult times, assist clients amid changing laws and policies, and remain hopeful and motivated while doing demanding work.

Speakers: Guadalupe Perez, Claire Holba, Camilla Mroczkowski, and Dominique Cressler (Moderator)

Flight from Guerrero: An Exodus Documentary Screening and Discussion

On October 22, 2025, C.A.M.E (Centro de Atención al Migrante Exodus) shelter organizers Perla de Angel and Adalberto Ramos, along with moderator Brenda Cuellar, presented a pre-release screening of their documentary film Exodus.

The film is set between 2019 and 2021 in Agua Prieta, Sonora, where the city’s only migrant shelter is filled with families fleeing violence from the Mexican state of Guerrero and seeking political asylum. The documentary highlights both the experiences of those forced to flee and the work of shelter staff. It also provides historical context for the increase in violence in Guerrero, helping to frame the lived experiences shown throughout the film.

During the post-screening Q&A, Perla and Adalberto discussed how to support C.A.M.E and similar organizations, as well as their experiences working in migrant shelters and the growing demand for shelter services in Mexico. Recommendations included volunteering, donating, and spreading awareness.

Speakers: Perla de Angel, Adalberto Ramos, and Brenda Cuellar (Moderator)

Crevices and Crutches Laid Bare: Global Governments and Civil Society Responses to Migrant Housing (October 9, 2025)

On October 9, Solutions Lab grantee Dr. Ramya Ramanath presented research on migrant homelessness and global responses alongside Julia Wagner, Director of the Institute of Global Homelessness, and research assistants Shamiso Gombera and Yamitza Villarreal.

The study drew from semi-structured interviews and a focus group conducted between December 2024 and July 2025 in Chicago, Santiago, Glasgow, Pretoria, and Montevideo.

Speakers provided a global overview of the intersection of migration and homelessness, noting significant gaps in research and data. Only 78 countries have official homelessness data, and it rarely includes the experiences of forced migrants.

Dr. Ramanath focused on irregular migrants—individuals who enter a country without authorization or overstay their legal status—and highlighted both available resources and persistent gaps. She emphasized the need to supplement human rights approaches with economic strategies, noting that housing markets themselves often create barriers to access.

Vienna to Chicago: Comparative Housing and Food Justice for Forced Migrants (June 24, 2025)

On June 24, Practitioner in Residence Josh Friedman presented research alongside Theresa Herzog-Abusaeeda and Mursal Fahimi as part of the DePaul Migration Collaborative.

They shared preliminary findings from 34 key informant interviews and 9 focus group discussions involving 86 participants from Afghan, Syrian, and Rohingya communities. The presentation emphasized the importance of cross-sector collaboration and reframing food and housing as human rights rather than commodities.

The event concluded with a panel discussion featuring Maryam Singh, Maren Riebe, and Christina Gugerell, who shared perspectives from Vienna.

Speakers: Josh Friedman (PIR), Theresa Herzog-Abusaeeda and Mursal Fahimi (Research Assistants); Panelists: Maryam Singh, Maren Riebe, and Christina Gugerell

Chicago to Vienna: Comparative Housing and Food Justice for Forced Migrants (June 5, 2025)

On June 5, Practitioner in Residence Joshua Friedman presented alongside student researchers Golaleh Yazdani and Mursal Fahimi.

His PRAxIS project compares access to housing and food for forced migrants in Chicago and Vienna. The study focuses on asylum seekers, refugees, parolees, and SIV holders from Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, and the Rohingya community.

The research examines legal frameworks and integration mechanisms, using methods such as participatory workshops, interviews, focus groups, and policy analysis. Recommendations include improving coordination across service sectors, addressing cultural and religious needs, simplifying application processes, and advocating for systemic change.

Speakers: Josh Friedman (PIR), Mursal Fahimi, and Golaleh Yazdani

Filling in the Gaps: Faith-Based Housing Beyond City Services (June 3, 2025)

On June 3, Practitioner in Residence Charlotte Long and research assistants Crystal Campos and Jr. Alvarez shared findings from the project Filling in the Gaps.

Drawing from qualitative research across 20 faith-based networks, the study highlights how these networks support newly arrived immigrants through housing, mentorship, sponsorship, and case management—often filling gaps left by formal systems.

Participants attended both a private discussion and a public presentation, contributing feedback and insights. The research also situates these efforts within the broader Sanctuary movement and Chicago’s evolving migrant advocacy landscape.

Speakers: Charlotte Long (PIR), Crystal Campos, and Jr. Alvarez

Beyond the Brick Wall: Shaping Adequate Housing in Urban Environments for Migrants (April 24, 2025)

This panel brought together researchers from the DePaul Migration Collaborative to discuss housing challenges faced by forced migrants.

Moderated by Professor Molly Brown, the discussion explored the seven elements of adequate housing under international law, including security, affordability, accessibility, and cultural adequacy.

Panelists addressed legal barriers, discrimination, and documentation challenges, while also highlighting the role of community networks and policy reform. The conversation emphasized that migration often exposes existing housing inequities rather than causing them.

Strengthening Refugee Rights to Food and Housing: Participatory Workshop (February 27, 2025)

Josh Friedman led an interactive workshop bringing together community organizations to discuss challenges related to food and housing access for refugees and asylum seekers in Chicago.

Participants engaged in group discussions to identify key needs and inform ongoing research.

Speakers: Josh Friedman

Who Belongs? Birthright Citizenship, Immigration Raids & Sanctuary Cities (February 25, 2025)

This event explored executive orders related to immigration, including legal frameworks, constitutional considerations, and policy impacts.

Speakers: Professors Allison Tirres and David Franklin

Amplifying Migrant Voices: Participatory Evaluations on Immigrant Legal Services in Chicago (February 20, 2025)

Ellen Miller presented research on migrants’ access to legal services, highlighting barriers such as information gaps, financial constraints, and language challenges.

Speakers: Ellen Miller, Alondra Felipe, and Juliana Zanubi

Training the Trainers: Know Your Rights Workshop (February 13, 2025)

Fred Tsao led a workshop educating participants on their rights when interacting with ICE.

Asylum Through the Looking Glass: Executive Orders and the Future of Refuge (February 12, 2025)

This event examined recent U.S. executive orders affecting immigration and refugee policy, including their legal and humanitarian implications.

Speakers: Professors Shailja Sharma and Craig Mousin

“Nada para nosotros sin NOSOTROS” (January 16, 2025)

Ellen Miller shared findings from participatory evaluations with community members, emphasizing inclusive data collection and community feedback.

Participatory Feedback Mechanisms with Chicago Immigration Legal Services (January 7, 2025)

Ellen Miller met with legal service providers to present early findings and tools designed to improve feedback collection and service delivery.

Speakers: Ellen Miller

Refugee Voices: Shaping Home in the Midst of Displacement (October 23, 2024)

On October 23, 2024, the DePaul Migration Collaborative and John T. Richardson Library hosted a panel on home building, identity, and forced displacement, featuring author and Northwestern professor Wendy Pearlman alongside DePaul Professors Maria Ferrera and Monica Reyes. Pearlman shared insights from her research with Syrian refugees, emphasizing that “home” is a dynamic, evolving concept shaped by personal experiences of displacement. Through refugee stories, she highlighted home as a space for connection, fostering peace amidst forced migration. Pearlman’s book The Home I Worked to Make underscores storytelling as a powerful tool for preserving identity and building empathy across communities. Following her presentation, Dr. Ferrera and Dr. Reyes contributed their perspectives, enriching the discussion on gender, health, diaspora, and resilience in the face of displacement.

Moderator: Shailja Sharma (DePaul Professor)
Speakers: Dr. Wendy Pearlman (Author and Northwestern Professor), Dr. Maria Ferrera and Dr. Monica Reyes (DePaul Professors)

Solutions Lab Info Session (October 8th, 2024)

The Solutions Lab Information Session on October 8th, 2024, from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM (via Zoom) prepared participants for the Solutions Lab application process. The session covered the application process, funding, partnerships, student involvement, and included a Q&A.

Solutions Lab: Innovation and Immigration 3 Part Series (May 2024)

The DMC Solutions Lab Series, held throughout May 2024, showcased the powerful intersection of academic research and community partnerships aimed at addressing critical social issues. On May 8, Dr. Black and his research assistant, Kyle Jennings, presented their work on migrant finances, highlighting the challenges undocumented migrants face in accessing financial services and exploring innovative technologies to bridge these gaps. Their research, conducted in collaboration with Mano a Mano, emphasized the importance of accessible banking practices for migrants. On May 15, Dr. Arnold and her student team shared their research on country conditions for asylum cases, a partnership with The Resurrection Project, which has resulted in vital reports for legal service providers and empowered students to volunteer in immigrant justice work. Dr. Arnold's team has studied conditions in 14 countries, providing essential resources for those unable to afford expert witnesses. Finally, on May 20, Dr. Cooper discussed her project, “Building a Resilient Volunteer Tutor Program to Serve Refugees,” in collaboration with FORA. Her research focused on nonprofit sustainability and volunteer resilience, with students contributing through phases of communication consulting, focus groups, and social media outreach. Together, these presentations highlighted the important role of research and collaboration in supporting marginalized communities.

Speakers: Dr. Kathleen Arnold, Dr. Kate Cooper, Dr. Lamont Black (DePaul Professor and Solutions Lab Grantees)

Cities and Migration: Plans, Policies, and Action (April 11, 2024)

The DePaul Migration Collaborative's Second Annual convening brought experts, nonprofit leaders, students, scholars of migration, policymakers, and legal advisors to discuss contemporary migration issues in the Cities and Migration: Plans, Policies, and Action Symposium. This symposium addressed urgent questions related to youth, health, law, housing, data and research, and labor with innovative solutions. This event offered 5 CLE credits to those applicable and CEU credit.

Speakers: Symposium Speaker Bios 2024 (PDF)
Final Report: Final Report – 2024 Symposium

Stakeholder Roundtable: Response to Illinois Migration and Report Findings (March 14, 2024)

DMC Practitioner in Residence Rob Paral hosted a discussion following the release of his report, “Building a Plane While It's Flying: Illinois Confronts a New Era of Forced Migration.” The report provides a demographic analysis of forced migrants recently arriving in Chicago from regions such as Ukraine, Afghanistan, and Venezuela, alongside recommendations for improving state support. Non-profit leaders and City of Chicago representatives participated, sharing insights, experiences, and organizational actions. The group of over 30 participants brainstormed strategies for inclusive support, emphasizing the need for innovative communication tools and cross-organizational collaboration. They stressed the importance of involving migrants in future discussions and ensuring state and local programming supports all marginalized communities in Chicago.

Speaker: Rob Paral (DMC Practitioner in Residence)

Central America Monitor: Groundbreaking Data on El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras (February 20, 2024)

This panel discussion featured international researchers to explore the work of the Central American Monitor, a collaborative research initiative focused on tracking human rights, justice, security, and transparency in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. Dr. Elizabeth Kennedy contextualized the project, Laura Andrade shared insights from extensive social research, Lissette Vásquez addressed impunity and human rights, and Migdonia Ayestas presented data on crime and violence. The bilingual event, attended by over 70 students, staff, and faculty, highlighted regional challenges and migration implications, emphasizing collaborative efforts for justice and security.

Speakers: Dr. Elizabeth Kennedy (DMC Practitioner in Residence), Laura Andrade (Director, IUDOP, El Salvador), Lissette Vásquez (Director, Myrna Mack Foundation, Guatemala), Migdonia Ayestas (Director, Violence Observatory, Honduras)

“Taking on Asylum Cases” Series (October 2023–2024)

The DePaul's Asylum and Immigration Legal Clinic (AILC) and the DMC’s Dr. Elizabeth Kennedy led a series entitled “Taking on Asylum Cases: Focus on Country Condition Research, Experts, and Asylum Claims.” Each training focused on a single Central American country: Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador. At each session, Dr. Kennedy explored the current socio-political and judicial landscapes of each country, equipping attendees with crucial information for crafting comprehensive country conditions reports for asylum applicants.

Speaker: Dr. Elizabeth Kennedy (Practitioner in Residence)

Forced Migration To Chicago: What You Should Know Panel (January 30, 2024)

The event explored reasons migrants may flee their home countries, migrant experiences at the U.S.-Mexico border, the journey of migrants being bussed to northern cities, and the unique situation of Ukrainian refugees in the Chicago area. Panelists and participants explored areas of tension including insufficient housing and shelter, as well as the impact of current federal and local immigration policies.

Moderator: Jesse Mumm (DePaul Professor)
Speakers: DMC Practitioners in Residence Rob Paral and Dr. Elizabeth Kennedy, alongside Laura Rodríguez-Presa (Chicago Tribune Reporter) and Breandán Magee (Senior Director of Programs for the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR)).

Country Conditions Expert Witness Training (January 25, 2024)

This training led by Dr. Kennedy was created for faculty members from across the Chicago area to learn how they can support asylum seekers through expert witness testimony. As a recognized expert witness in the country conditions of Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador, Dr. Kennedy addressed the role country conditions experts play in immigration court proceedings and their significance in asylum outcomes. The training was especially necessary for faculty who hoped to assist those seeking asylum but did not have particular knowledge of the asylum court system processes. Faculty attended from DePaul, Northwestern, and UIC.

Speaker: Dr. Elizabeth Kennedy (DMC Practitioner in Residence)

Solutions Lab: Addressing Migration Challenges through Community-Engaged Research (November 9, 2023)

DMC Solutions Lab: Addressing Migration Challenges through Community-Engaged Research was held on Thursday, November 9, 2023, to meet faculty tackling migration issues with practical solutions. Dr. Arnold focused on statelessness and inequality, supporting migrants with affidavits through DePaul Sanctuary. Dr. Black addressed financial challenges for migrants, exploring the use of technology to improve financial inclusion. Dr. Cooper works with FORA to create a resilient volunteer tutor program for refugees, offering mentorship and training.

Speakers: Dr. Kathleen Arnold, Dr. Lamont Black, and Dr. Kate Cooper (DePaul Professors and Solutions Lab Grantees)

Meet the DMC Migration Experts (November 3, 2023)

DePaul Migration Collaborative’s inaugural Practitioners in Residence, Dr. Elizabeth Kennedy and Rob Paral, as they discuss their impactful work supporting migrants and asylum seekers. Dr. Kennedy focuses on human rights, gender, and migration in Central America, producing research and training for immigrant-serving organizations. Rob Paral, a policy consultant, specializes in demographic insights and community needs, using data-driven approaches to assist Chicago's migrant communities.

Speakers: Dr. Elizabeth Kennedy and Rob Paral (DMC Practitioners in Residence)

Faculty Network Weaving (April 14, 2023)

The DMC Convening, an esteemed symposium, was meticulously designed to aggregate DePaul University’s distinguished faculty from diverse academic domains. The primary objective was to promulgate pioneering ideas within migration studies, cultivate robust professional relationships, and unearth prospective interdisciplinary collaborations. This half-day symposium encapsulated not merely academic discourse but also presented opportunities for informal collegial interactions, exceptional showcases of projects aimed at empowering immigrant communities, and enriching cross-disciplinary workshop dialogues. Whether attendees were seasoned experts or novices in the domains of migration, immigration, and refugee studies, the event catered to all.

Event Summary

On April 14, 2023, DePaul University proudly showcased the DMC Convening—a distinguished symposium emblematic of the institution’s dedication to deepening the understanding of migration studies. Far from an ordinary academic assembly, the event was an expertly crafted gathering with the express purpose of uniting DePaul’s most accomplished faculty across a diverse spectrum of disciplines.

At its heart, the symposium championed innovative ideas, aiming to be a catalyst in the dynamic world of migration studies. Beyond mere knowledge sharing, it was an incubator for enduring professional alliances, setting the stage for future interdisciplinary collaborations—a beacon of hope for a comprehensive approach to the multifarious challenges posed by migration. The event unfolded as a rich fabric of thought-provoking sessions, underpinned by a commitment to mutual respect and camaraderie. Moments of structured discourse were beautifully juxtaposed with opportunities for spontaneous, enlightening exchanges among peers.

A standout segment of the event was its heartening showcase of projects—testaments to the university’s vision of uplifting and empowering immigrant communities. These initiatives were lauded not just for their academic merit but also for their humane touch. Complementing the showcase were cross-disciplinary workshops—a melting pot of ideas, debates, and innovative problem-solving strategies within migration, immigration, and refugee studies.

The DMC Convening’s inclusivity was, without doubt, its crowning glory. From revered academic veterans to budding scholars, the event embraced all, weaving together a vast tapestry of knowledge and perspective, rendering it a treasure trove of intellectual enrichment for attendees.

Event Proceedings and Highlights

The initial rendezvous was held on Tuesday, April 11, setting the stage for the primary event.

Prof. Shailja gracefully undertook the role of the Master of Ceremonies, ensuring punctuality and seamless session transitions.

Attendees were welcomed with an array of materials at the registration desk, including an exhaustive participant list, name badges, and informative handouts related to the CRM.

A notable mention is the commendable contribution of Ally and Allison, who were responsible for capturing the event’s essence through photography and assisting with various logistical facets.

The event commenced with an exquisite luncheon from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm, followed by an introductory session about DMC, inclusive of project highlights and objectives.

Post the initial discourse, participants indulged in focused group workshops, addressing various pertinent subjects ranging from immigrant health and history narratives to innovative policymaking and community partnerships.

The day concluded with a plenary session, encompassing shared insights and future objective setting, and a sophisticated reception facilitating further academic and professional networking.

Reflections on Group Sessions

The small group sessions were enriched with dialogue, with recordings undertaken for future reference and research. Guided by their respective moderators, these sessions emphasized mutual interaction, learning, and knowledge dissemination. The focal point was the consolidation of insights, aimed at formulating actionable, collaborative strategies in the broader field of migration studies.

Inaugural Immigration Summit (April 11, 2022)

The day-long conference brought together scholars, advocates, students, and practitioners from the Midwest and beyond to share research and insights on significant developments in migration and human rights. 54% of attendees were DePaul alumni, almost all of whom work in immigration law or with community organizations that serve immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. 27% of attendees were community practitioners, and 19% were DePaul faculty. The majority of attendees were online (77%), while 23% were in-person. 80% of attendees were highly satisfied and 20% were satisfied with the conference. 65% of attendees found the conference to be very relevant, and 27% found it relevant.

The aim of the Summit is to build bridges between professors, community partners, faith leaders, and others who are actively engaging and serving Chicago’s immigrant community. Feedback was very positive for achieving goals to: lay the foundation for future collaborations at DePaul and in the Chicagoland area; build bridges between scholars and community partners who are actively engaging and serving Chicago’s immigrant community; and bring together the diverse faculty across many colleges at DePaul who study these issues.