In this episode, School of International Service (SIS) professors Tazreena Sajjad and Maria De Jesus join Big World to discuss the history of US immigration policy and unpack how recent shifts are impacting our local DC community and beyond.   

Sajjad, a professor in the Department of Peace, Human Rights & Cultural Relations, begins our conversation by explaining common misconceptions surrounding the US immigration system and the evolution of immigration policy (2:03) before explaining the pathways that currently exist for immigrants to enter the US (7:37).

Sajjad and De Jesus, a professor in the Department of Environment, Development & Health, also break down the ripple effects of recent shifts in US immigration policy both domestically and internationally (11:45).

How are recent policies impacting immigration advocates and immigrant communities? (25:00) What are the key skills required for the next generation of folks working on migration issues? (31:05) De Jesus and Sajjad answer these questions and provide a preview of the new Global Migration Certificate launching at SIS in fall 2025 (31:44).