https://www.usf.edu/arts-sciences/centers/iwrc/news/Recent posts from News & Mediaen-usThu, 14 May 2026 06:42:23 -04:00http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rssOmniUpdate (OU Publish)https://www.usf.edu/arts-sciences/centers/iwrc/news/2026/southern-pres-and-paper-presentation.aspxCenter's Director, Dr. Elizabeth Aranda, and research team member Emely Matos-Pichardo presented findings from their ongoing research at the Southern Sociological Society Annual Meeting on April 9th, 2026. This research on post-disaster return migration explores the real experiences of families who returned to the island after Hurricane Maria, and what drives them to keep moving.Thu, 09 Apr 2026 10:42:12 New Research: Post-Disaster Return Migration to Puerto RicoCenter's Director, Dr. Elizabeth Aranda, and research team member Emely Matos-Pichardo presented findings from their ongoing research at the Southern Sociological Society Annual Meeting on April 9th, 2026. This research on post-disaster return migration explores the real experiences of families who returned to the island after Hurricane Maria, and what drives them to keep moving.University of South Florida: A Preeminent Research Universityhttps://www.usf.edu/arts-sciences/centers/iwrc/news/2026/southern-pres-and-paper-presentation.aspxResearchhttps://www.mdpi.com/2076-0760/14/7/433#fn007-socsci-14-00433This new study, authored by the Center's Director Dr. Elizabeth Aranda, Research Associate Liz Ventura Molina, and collaborators, investigates how fear of deportation, discrimination, and legal status shape healthcare-seeking behaviors among displaced populations in Florida. Drawing on survey data from 466 participants, the study finds that perceived everyday discrimination, independent of immigration status or income, is a significant barrier to healthcare access. The research highlights how Florida’s SB 1718 law and anti-immigrant rhetoric are creating a climate of fear that deters even legally present individuals from seeking medical attention. The findings carry important implications for public health, policy, and equity.External ArticleTue, 15 Jul 2025 14:23:06 Hesitation to Seek Healthcare Among Immigrants in a Restrictive State ContextThis new study, authored by the Center's Director Dr. Elizabeth Aranda, Research Associate Liz Ventura Molina, and collaborators, investigates how fear of deportation, discrimination, and legal status shape healthcare-seeking behaviors among displaced populations in Florida. Drawing on survey data from 466 participants, the study finds that perceived everyday discrimination, independent of immigration status or income, is a significant barrier to healthcare access. The research highlights how Florida’s SB 1718 law and anti-immigrant rhetoric are creating a climate of fear that deters even legally present individuals from seeking medical attention. The findings carry important implications for public health, policy, and equity.University of South Florida: A Preeminent Research Universityhttps://www.mdpi.com/2076-0760/14/7/433#fn007-socsci-14-00433Researchhttps://www.usf.edu/arts-sciences/centers/iwrc/news/2024/new-report-on-impacts-of-sb-1718.aspxA recent study from the Im/migrant Well-Being Research Center at the University of South Florida sheds light on the broad and significant effects of Florida’s Senate Bill 1718 (SB 1718) on immigrant well-being. Conducted between May and July 2024, this research surveyed 466 immigrants and U.S.-born adult children of immigrants to understand the social, economic, and psychological impacts of the law. Findings indicate that SB 1718 has exacerbated issues such as job insecurity, financial strain, and barriers to healthcare access, while also intensifying psychological distress across immigrant communities. Importantly, the report highlights the spillover effects—effects that go beyond the intended targets of the law—felt by U.S. citizen adult children of immigrants, who report increased anxiety and uncertainty.Dr. Elizabeth Aranda and Liz Ventura MolinaTue, 12 Nov 2024 16:22:25 New Report Reveals Wide-Reaching Impact of Florida's SB 1718 on Immigrant Communities and BeyondA recent study from the Im/migrant Well-Being Research Center at the University of South Florida sheds light on the broad and significant effects of Florida’s Senate Bill 1718 (SB 1718) on immigrant well-being. Conducted between May and July 2024, this research surveyed 466 immigrants and U.S.-born adult children of immigrants to understand the social, economic, and psychological impacts of the law. Findings indicate that SB 1718 has exacerbated issues such as job insecurity, financial strain, and barriers to healthcare access, while also intensifying psychological distress across immigrant communities. Importantly, the report highlights the spillover effects—effects that go beyond the intended targets of the law—felt by U.S. citizen adult children of immigrants, who report increased anxiety and uncertainty.New Report on the effects of SB 1718 on immigrants' well-being. The pictures show the research team during data collection. https://www.usf.edu/arts-sciences/centers/iwrc/news/2024/new-report-on-impacts-of-sb-1718.aspxResearchhttps://www.usf.edu/arts-sciences/chronicles/2024/dr-elizabeth-aranda-receives-2024-award-for-public-sociology-in-international-migration.aspxThis award recognizes the work of an IM section member who addresses immigration and related issues in ways that apply scholarly knowledge directly in public work, generates such knowledge for public use, or otherwise contributes to improving the lives of migrants or refugees.External ArticleThu, 29 Aug 2024 11:43:05 Dr. Elizabeth Aranda receives 2024 Award for Public Sociology in International MigrationThis award recognizes the work of an IM section member who addresses immigration and related issues in ways that apply scholarly knowledge directly in public work, generates such knowledge for public use, or otherwise contributes to improving the lives of migrants or refugees.Elizabeth Arandahttps://www.usf.edu/arts-sciences/chronicles/2024/dr-elizabeth-aranda-receives-2024-award-for-public-sociology-in-international-migration.aspxResearchhttps://www.usf.edu/arts-sciences/chronicles/2024/new-podcast-immigrant-lives-highlights-impact-of-public-policy-and-community-organizations-on-immigrant-communities.aspxThe Im/migrant Well-Being Research Center’s new podcast features thought leaders and scholars and seeks to inform the public about how policies and community organizations can solve the most pressing problems facing im/migrant communities.External ArticleThu, 25 Jan 2024 14:50:16 New podcast “Im/migrant Lives” highlights impact of public policy and community organizations on im/migrant communitiesThe Im/migrant Well-Being Research Center’s new podcast features thought leaders and scholars and seeks to inform the public about how policies and community organizations can solve the most pressing problems facing im/migrant communities.From left: Dr. Elizabeth Aranda, Dr. Heide Castañeda, and Nanci Palacios record episode 1 of the “Im/migrant Lives” podcast. (Photo by Corey Lepak)https://www.usf.edu/arts-sciences/chronicles/2024/new-podcast-immigrant-lives-highlights-impact-of-public-policy-and-community-organizations-on-immigrant-communities.aspxResearchhttps://www.usf.edu/arts-sciences/chronicles/2023/dr-elizabeth-aranda-joins-fellowship-focused-on-puerto-rico-in-post-disaster-settings.aspxDr. Elizabeth Aranda, professor of sociology and director of the Im/migrant Well-Being Research Center, will focus on the future of Puerto Rico in a post-disaster context in her newly awarded fellowship.External ArticleMon, 23 Oct 2023 11:25:30 Dr. Elizabeth Aranda joins fellowship focused on Puerto Rico in post-disaster settingsDr. Elizabeth Aranda, professor of sociology and director of the Im/migrant Well-Being Research Center, will focus on the future of Puerto Rico in a post-disaster context in her newly awarded fellowship.Photo of a flooded area captured by an interviewee from their home. (Photo courtesy of Dr. Elizabeth Aranda)https://www.usf.edu/arts-sciences/chronicles/2023/dr-elizabeth-aranda-joins-fellowship-focused-on-puerto-rico-in-post-disaster-settings.aspxResearchhttps://www.usf.edu/arts-sciences/chronicles/2023/pilot-study-to-highlight-outcomes-of-young-adults-from-immigrant-parentage.aspxCenter Director, Elizabeth Aranda, and Undergraduate Research Assistant, Felix Sutphin, were quoted in a USF College of Arts and Sciences HUB featured story on the pilot study exploring the incorporation outcomes among young adults with immigrant parent(s).External ArticleWed, 27 Sep 2023 13:57:13 Pilot study to highlight outcomes of young adults from immigrant parentageCenter Director, Elizabeth Aranda, and Undergraduate Research Assistant, Felix Sutphin, were quoted in a USF College of Arts and Sciences HUB featured story on the pilot study exploring the incorporation outcomes among young adults with immigrant parent(s).Young adults with immigrant parentagehttps://www.usf.edu/arts-sciences/chronicles/2023/pilot-study-to-highlight-outcomes-of-young-adults-from-immigrant-parentage.aspxResearchhttps://www.yahoo.com/news/usf-study-finds-daca-immigrants-175900538.html?guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cudXNmLmVkdS8%26guce_referrer_sig=AQAAABuFwJFJ0uJ7Ocd-lHVD7XUGXQkGWqHX6RTf0BP8q59r2ML2n9d_h9DuflS9nh44d1_oday6vrRAj5gW6wHGdsrs_z-hB5VzuQyZMjBcvFDSMO-IT0AKSGtZ39llxvLB5bMAbCqZSMapFIcfb0QeWsIIkWMwTCN9lc0TqCinwUR7Elizabeth Aranda and Heide Castañeda’s research on DACA was summarized in a news article in the Tampa Bay Times, reprinted in Yahoo NewsExternal ArticleWed, 02 Nov 2022 16:35:56 USF study finds DACA immigrants struggle with poor mental healthElizabeth Aranda and Heide Castañeda’s research on DACA was summarized in a news article in the Tampa Bay Times, reprinted in Yahoo NewsUniversity of South Florida: A Preeminent Research Universityhttps://www.yahoo.com/news/usf-study-finds-daca-immigrants-175900538.html?guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cudXNmLmVkdS8%26guce_referrer_sig=AQAAABuFwJFJ0uJ7Ocd-lHVD7XUGXQkGWqHX6RTf0BP8q59r2ML2n9d_h9DuflS9nh44d1_oday6vrRAj5gW6wHGdsrs_z-hB5VzuQyZMjBcvFDSMO-IT0AKSGtZ39llxvLB5bMAbCqZSMapFIcfb0QeWsIIkWMwTCN9lc0TqCinwUR7Researchhttps://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/08/30/2022-18401/deferred-action-for-childhood-arrivalsCenter Director, Dr. Elizabeth Aranda, had her research cited (with C. Menjívar and K. Donato) in the Biden Administration’s update to the program, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).External ArticleTue, 30 Aug 2022 16:21:42 Research Cited-Deferred Action for Childhood ArrivalsCenter Director, Dr. Elizabeth Aranda, had her research cited (with C. Menjívar and K. Donato) in the Biden Administration’s update to the program, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).University of South Florida: A Preeminent Research Universityhttps://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/08/30/2022-18401/deferred-action-for-childhood-arrivalsResearch