Understanding Columbus' growing immigrant population

The Immigration Project – led by Drs. Arati Maleku, Cecilia Mengo, Njeri Kagotho and Sharvari Karandikar – was recently featured in The Columbus Dispatch.

Results from this yearlong research project by the Columbus City Council and the college revealed that successful integration and perceived quality of life for new American communities highly depends on their sense of belonging. As lead researcher, Maleku asked policymakers to use this data to better cater to Columbus’ growing immigrant population.

“The sense of belonging, as well as the challenges to the sense of belonging, have been a very understated study,” says, Maleku, principle investigator. “So, when successful immigrant integration is a goal for many municipalities, the degree to which immigrants have the sense of belonging is becoming a major policy issue.”

Read the full Dispatch story

Watch the live-stream recording

Listen to WOSU interview

Read the research brief

Read the full report

On Sept. 24, Dr. Maleku presented the study’s findings and testified at a public hearing in support of the commission. The commission aims to provide a direct channel for immigrants and refugees to engage with local government and local policies. It will help address their needs while improving integration and inclusivity within Columbus. This commission reflects the practical impact of the recent research conducted by the College of Social Work team on local policy.