GIRN Impactful Research Projects

The following are current projects on which Georgia Immigration Research Network (GIRN) members are currently involved. Please click on a project's link for more information about the particular project. 

Research and Evaluation of the Atlanta One Region Initiative

Dr. Paul McDaniel and Dr. Darlene Xiomara Rodriguez, co-founders of the Georgia Immigration Research Network, have served as key members of the Atlanta One Region Initiative steering committee, a project led by Welcoming America. This initiative works to foster inclusivity and opportunity for immigrants and refugees in metro Atlanta, with support from local leaders, businesses, and community groups.

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Integration and Receptivity in Immigrant Gateway Metro Regions in the United States

This edited book explores how immigrant integration is evolving in diverse U.S. metro areas, with case studies from both established and emerging gateway cities such as Atlanta and Nashville. Edited by Kennesaw State professors Paul N. McDaniel and Darlene Xiomara Rodriguez, this book provides valuable insights into the challenges, opportunities, and best practices that shape immigrant communities across the country. Published in 2024, it is an essential resource for researchers, students, and policymakers interested in immigrant settlement and integration.

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Green Card Youth Voices: Immigration Stories from an Atlanta High School

Green Card Youth Voices is a powerful collection of over 20 personal essays by high school students in the Atlanta area, sharing their unique immigration journeys. Published in April 2018, this book highlights the diverse experiences of young immigrants and refugees, offering first-person narratives paired with video stories. Created through a collaboration between KSU and local organizations, this project offers both an educational resource and a platform for students' voices. It includes a study guide, glossary, and links to digital stories, making it a valuable tool for understanding immigration through the eyes of youth.

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Immigrant Integration Toolkit: Strategies for Investing in Our Communities

The Immigrant Integration Toolkit provides a comprehensive resource for supporting immigrant communities in Georgia and beyond. This toolkit shares best practices in areas such as civic engagement, health services, education, workforce development, and housing, offering practical strategies for effectively working with and supporting immigrants. It includes a Community Resources Guide to help connect stakeholders with local services, and a Spanish version will be available in Fall 2018.

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Spring 2020: Marietta Museum of History Local History Project: Understanding Local Latinx Histories and Geographies

The Spring 2020: Marietta Museum of History Local History Project explores the Latinx histories and geographies of Cobb County and Marietta through a collaborative research effort between Kennesaw State students, faculty, and the Marietta Museum of History. This community-engaged project, involving students from both geography and English courses, aims to contribute valuable research to the museum’s archives. The project includes analyzing census data, mapping Latinx settlement patterns, and creating educational materials that will support future exhibits. The research results provide insights into the local Latinx community and will be accessible to museum visitors and residents.

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Research Success Faculty Learning Community

In Spring 2020, faculty members from KSU participated in the R2 Research Success Faculty Learning Community (FLC). This program, facilitated by the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning and the Office of Research, aimed to support faculty in developing interdisciplinary research projects aligned with KSU's strategic roadmap. Focused on themes such as human development, well-being, and sustainable communities, the FLC provided a platform for collaboration, creative thinking, and exploring funding opportunities. The outcomes include a white paper and a video that highlight the success of this faculty-driven initiative.

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Journal of Community Engagement and Scholarship: Special Issue on Immigration and Immigrant Community Engagement

The Journal of Community Engagement and Scholarship aims to bring together scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and community members to explore U.S. immigration policy, practices, and the organizations facilitating immigrant integration. Emphasizing community-based research, the issue will highlight immigrant voices, their contributions, and collaborative research efforts. The editors seek diverse perspectives, creative methodologies, and an inclusive approach to capture the lived experiences of immigrants and those supporting their integration into U.S. society. Submissions are welcomed from a range of disciplines and include various manuscript categories.

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