"Opening the Heart and Purse to Migrants in Bordeaux, France," a presentation by Professor Tsuneo Akaha

As international migration continues to show its global impact, it has triggered political backlash against traditionally liberal migration policies in many European countries, including France. Professor Akaha spent his sabbatical in Bordeaux, France in the fall of 2018, conducting research on migrant integration. He will share his preliminary findings from the interviews, including some harrowing and heart-warming stories of refugees and asylum-seekers. What is it like to be a Northern African or Middle Eastern migrant in the country characterized by the coexistence between ethnic identities and expectations of cultural assimilation? What happens when public services fall short of the needs of growing numbers of asylum-seekers, who are legally prohibited from working? What happens when migrant women and their children face health and educational challenges? What explains the seeming housing segregation of ethnic migrants? What happens when the housing needs of migrants, refugees, and asylum-seekers far exceed the available state-subsidized housing? Professor Akaha addresses these questions on the basis of his interviews with 35 migrants, refugees, and asylum-seekers as well as civil society and government providers of social and/or professional services to them.

This event is co-hosted by MIIS Graduate School of International Policy and Management and MIIS Immigrant Rights Alliance (MIRA), a student-led organization that aims to connect discourse on international migration issues to the realities of immigration in Monterey County. The group works to raise awareness about these issues and mobilize fellow students through organizing events, creating dialogue, fundraising for local organizations, and facilitating volunteer opportunities that support immigrant communities. MIRA representatives will be available to give a brief introduction of their activities and answer any questions the audience may have.