Silva
Mathema

Director, Immigration Policy

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Silva Mathema

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Silva Mathema is the director for Immigration Policy at American Progress. Her research focuses on the effects of U.S. immigration policies on the daily lives of immigrants. Previously, she worked as a research associate for the Poverty and Race Research Action Council, where she studied the intersections between race and ethnicity issues and policies regarding affordable housing and education.

Mathema earned her Ph.D. in public policy from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where she specialized in immigration policy, and her B.A. in economics from Salem College. She is originally from Kathmandu, Nepal.

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Rebuilding the U.S. Refugee Program for the 21st Century Report
 (A supporter holding a sign that says

Rebuilding the U.S. Refugee Program for the 21st Century

The United States must learn from past experiences—from the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks through the Trump administration—to rebuild a resilient refugee resettlement program.

Silva Mathema, Sofia Carratala

Refugees Thrive in America Report

Refugees Thrive in America

By cutting the number of refugees allowed to enter the United States, the Trump administration is undermining the nation’s historic role as a beacon of freedom and ignoring the advancements of many hardworking aspiring Americans.

Silva Mathema

Revival and Opportunity Report
Quang Nguyen, a Vietnamese immigrant and business owner, stands in front of Le Variety, (Getty/Derek Davis/Portland Press Herald)

Revival and Opportunity

Immigrants are playing a key role in reviving and growing many rural communities and with the right policies could play an even bigger role in sustaining them.

Silva Mathema, Nicole Prchal Svajlenka, Anneliese Hermann

What Works Report

What Works

Many U.S. organizations have developed practical and effective ways to boost refugee integration, and these programs are worth preserving.

Silva Mathema

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