Celebrating the First Anniversary of the International Network for Immigration Research in Paris

A Significant Milestone for Immigration Research

On December 26, 2024, the International Network for Immigration Research (INIR) commemorated its first anniversary with two impactful conferences held in the heart of Paris. The events got underway from November 20 to 21, gathering notable participants who explored pressing issues surrounding the economic and fiscal effects of mass migration and proposed asylum reforms.

The conferences attracted representatives from INIR's five member institutions: Nicolas Monti from France's Observatoire de l'Immigration et de la Démographie (OID), Eric Ruark of NumbersUSA, Yonatan Jakubowicz from the Israeli Immigration Policy Center (IIPC), Viktor Marsai from Hungary's Migration Research Institute (MRI), and Mark Krikorian of the Center for Immigration Studies (CIS). Each institution contributed their diverse perspectives to enrich discussions on immigration challenges and policies.

First Conference: Economic and Fiscal Impacts

The first conference, focusing on the economic and fiscal ramifications of mass migration, was organized by OID and took place at the National Assembly of France. Esteemed experts shared their research findings and analyzed the long-term effects of migration on host countries’ economies. This dialogue was crucial in establishing a foundation for future research and policy advocacy, emphasizing the necessity for government authorities to consider factual data when implementing immigration laws.

Second Conference: Asylum Reform

The second gathering, co-sponsored by OID and the Martens Centre for European Studies, took place in the prestigious Luxembourg Palace, home of the French Senate. This conference addressed the urgent and pressing issue of asylum reforms, which has been on the radar of many European nations. Participants engaged in constructive debates about the legal, ethical, and humanitarian aspects surrounding asylum seekers, aiming to forward practical solutions that do not compromise national security while addressing human rights.

Collaboration and Its Importance

The INIR aims to foster collaborative research among various institutions dedicated to studying immigration's complexities worldwide. By uniting under shared principles, INIR members assert that sovereign nations should have the authority to establish and enforce immigration policies in alignment with their societies' unique needs, rather than adhering to an exclusively humanitarian perspective. This collaborative work is essential in navigating the often contentious landscape of immigration policies.

INIR also publishes a semi-annual journal titled Limen, alongside periodic papers produced by its members. These publications serve as valuable resources for lawmakers, advocacy groups, and the broader public trying to understand immigration's multifaceted impact.

About the Host: NumbersUSA

As one of the founding members of INIR, NumbersUSA plays a vital role as a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization advocating for an immigration system that maintains a balance between welcoming families and addressing critical needs. The organization’s reach includes 8 million grassroots supporters across the United States, making it a prominent voice in the immigration reform dialogue.

The year-long activities of INIR and its member institutions have set a strong foundation for informed discussions surrounding immigration in the years to come. By gathering key stakeholders and emphasizing rigorous research, INIR is carving a path for effective immigration policies that align with the needs of communities globally.

Through targeted engagements and outreach, INIR aims to continue fostering a comprehensive understanding of migration's role in both economic contexts and human experiences, making it an influential player in shaping future debates and frameworks regarding immigration.