Immigration Realities

Ernesto Castañeda
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The team at American University's Immigration Lab, led by Dr. Ernesto Castañeda, help us make sense of recent developments, overlooked stories, and the newest research related to immigration policy and the experiences of immigrants worldwide.

  1. 6D AGO

    Inside USCIS: Immigration Policy from Biden to Trump — With Amanda Baran

    This episode covers immigration policies under the Biden administration with Amanda Baran – the former Principal Director for Immigration Policy and Chief of Public Engagement at USCIS. Ms. Baran’s public service career spans over a decade at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, where she held several leadership positions in which she advanced immigration, civil rights, and gender equity initiatives. In this conversation, Baran along with Dr. Ernesto Castañeda and Marshall Plane explore the work done by USCIS under President Biden, contrasting it with changes to the agency in Trump’s second term. We encourage students at American University to tune in, as our goal is to spark awareness, challenge assumptions, and promote a deeper understanding of this important topic.  Authors: Amanda Baran is a research fellow at the Immigration Lab at the Center for Latin American and Latino Studies. She served on the Biden-Harris Transition Team and subsequently held a senior political appointment in the Biden Administration as Chief of Policy and Strategy at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).  Ernesto Castañeda, PhD is the Director of the Center for Latin American and Latino Studies and the Immigration Lab. He is a full Professor at the College of Arts and Sciences and the School of International Service at American University. Castañeda has published over a dozen books and articles and his insights and commentary are frequently featured in public talks, policy discussions, and major media outlets, making him a prominent voice in public debates on immigration and Latino issues. His analyses have appeared in prominent news outlets such as The Washington Post, the BBC, NPR and more.  Marshall Plane is a Research Coordinator at the Immigration Lab. His research focuses on immigration in urban areas, with on recent arrivals to New York City. Plane is a Co-author of the newly published book Global Pathways: To Becoming New Americans.

    49 min
  2. Immigration Edition: Myths vs Facts

    APR 2

    Immigration Edition: Myths vs Facts

    This podcast dives into the many narratives surrounding immigration, from widely believed myths to the truth backed by real facts. In our conversations, we explore how media often shapes and distorts public perception, while highlighting the lived realities of immigration that are often overlooked. We especially encourage students at American University to tune in, as our goal is to spark awareness, challenge assumptions, and promote a deeper understanding of this important topic.  Authors: Jadie Bonilla is a Research Intern at the Immigration Lab and at the Center for Latin American & Latino Studies. She is in the Neuroscience program in the College of Arts and Sciences at American University. Jackson Wu is a Research Intern at the Immigration Lab. His research focuses on the intersection of international migration, labor, and health.

    10 min

  3. MAR 6

    The Process of Belonging — with Sol Espinoza

    Immigration Realities

    41 min

  4. MAR 6

    H2A Visa: Behind the Headlines

    In the current political climate, it may seem as though all migration to the United States is being prohibited; however some legal pathways to entry are actually being expanded and implemented. The H2A agricultural guestworker visa program allows farmers to sponsor migrant workers to enter the US legally, providing essential transportation and housing for the duration of their stay. This program is growing rapidly as a response to the loss of undocumented labor due to detentions and deportations. While the visa offers clear benefits, it presents unique challenges—specifically the power dynamics created when an employee is legally tied to a single employer. Professor Castañeda and Jesse Ontiveros discuss the rewards and risks of this system and its potential as a surprising pathway to residency.  Jesse Ontiveros is an artist, academic, and aspiring podcaster. After earning a BA in Anthropology from UCLA, he is currently pursuing an MA in Intercultural Relations and International Communication at American University.

    9 min
  5. ICE In Your Community

    JAN 15

    ICE In Your Community

    Listen to this relevant podcast where community member in Maryland asked what they would do when ICE come to town and acts on a number of immigration myths. Speakers include: Ernesto Castañeda, Marcy Campos, and Monica Palacio.

    54 min
  6. Immigration to the DMV after the COVID-19 Pandemic

    11/19/2025

    Immigration to the DMV after the COVID-19 Pandemic

    Presentation at the 2025 AU Public Anthropology Conference Authors: Anjini Patel, Hannah Wingo, Amanda Vincent, Quinn Pierson, Olivia Salamone, Tabby Ford, Katheryn Olmos, Caryalyn Jean, Dr. Ernesto Castaneda.

    1 hr

  7. 11/19/2025

    The Exclusion of LGBT+ Refugees in Kenya' Shikira Plan

    Immigration Lab member Chris Belden discusses the exclusion of LGBT+ refugees in Kenya's Shikira Plan.

    8 min
  8. Policy Shifts and the Power of Journalism

    11/11/2025

    Policy Shifts and the Power of Journalism

    CNN correspondent Priscilla Álvarez visits to discuss how recent immigration policy shifts impact people, communities, and international relations. She shares what it's like reporting on immigration today and talks about the role of journalists in promoting a fact-based narrative around immigration.

    54 min
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About

The team at American University's Immigration Lab, led by Dr. Ernesto Castañeda, help us make sense of recent developments, overlooked stories, and the newest research related to immigration policy and the experiences of immigrants worldwide.

Information

  • Creator
    Ernesto Castañeda
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright The Immigration Lab
  • Show Website
    Immigration Realities