Global developments at the intersection of migration, immigration, and artificial intelligence (AI) raise urgent concerns about fairness, equity, human dignity, and social justice. Immigrant and migrant populations, often among the most vulnerable, face systemic challenges such as limited access to resources, discrimination, exploitation, and ongoing violations of their dignity and security. The rapid integration of AI into decision-making processes presents both opportunities and challenges, highlighting the critical need to address biases, ensure transparency, and promote accountability to prevent AI from perpetuating injustices in employment, healthcare, law enforcement, and other migration-related sectors.

Building on the success of Fordham University’s 2023 International Conference on Social and Environmental Justice, this international symposium seeks to examine the connection of migration, immigration, and AI through the lens of social justice and human rights. It aims to foster meaningful dialogue on creating more equitable and humane systems with marginalized communities to protect rights and leverage responsible AI to advance justice for all.

Through keynote speeches, panel discussions, roundtables, and collaborative sessions, participants will explore actionable and sustainable strategies to promote justice, accountability, and participation in policies and technologies impacting marginalized communities. The symposium will provide valuable insights and policy recommendations to ensure human rights are prioritized while responsibly harnessing AI to address pressing challenges in migration and immigration.

Symposium Focus Areas and Topics

This international symposium invites participation on a range of topics, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary perspectives on social justice issues in migration, immigration, and AI. Participation is sought in two ways: Area One) Interdisciplinary Keynote Speeches and Roundtables that bring together experts in Im/Migration and AI to discuss the intersection of the two phenomena from a social justice perspective. Area Two) Paper Presentations that connect social justice, immigration, and AI.

Area One: Intersecting Issues of Im/migration and AI

For those who are exploring the intersection of im/migration and AI from a social justice perspective, we are particularly interested in topics that address the following:

AI in Migration Accompaniment and Advocacy
AI and the Everywhere Border
Data Privacy and Cybersecurity with/for Communities in Migration
Algorithmic Injustice in the U.S. Immigration System
Using AI to Combat Discrimination in Immigration Policies
Access and Barriers to Linguistic Support with AI-driven Services
Digital Surveillance of Migrant Workers and Workplaces
Ethical AI and Refugee Resettlement
AI Access Gaps and Communities in Migration
Use of AI in Detention Centers
AI Governance, Regulation, and Investment

Area Two: Interdisciplinary Discussions

For participants exploring im/migration or AI from a social justice perspective and wish to participate in an interdisciplinary discussion, we are particularly interested in panelists focused on the following:

1. Social Justice in Migration and Immigration

Human Rights and Legal Protections: rights awareness and access to legal resources
Labor and Economic Rights
Access and Utilization of Health and Mental Health Care and Social Support for Immigrants, Asylum Seekers, and Refugees
Creating Safe Spaces: Social integration and community building
Education and Employment Rights: Access to education, vocational training, and job development
Gender and Migration: Specific challenges for women and women-identifying migrants/immigrants
Youth and Migration: The impact of family separation on children and youth
Detention and Deportation Policies: implications for human rights and social justice
Anti-Discrimination Measures: xenophobia, racism, and discrimination against migrants.

2. Social Justice in AI: Responsibly harnessing AI algorithms and systems to ensure sustainable and trustworthy social justice practice and system.

Responsible, Sustainable, and Trustworthy AI Algorithms and Systems
Ethical and Legal Issues of AI
Identifying and Managing Bias, Discrimination, and Fairness in AI
Responsible AI in Healthcare, Employment, Criminal Justice, and Immigration
Removal and Elimination of Risk in AI Implementation and Practice, e.g. Security and Privacy.

Submission Process and Deadlines

Faculty, scholars, professionals, and students as well as community partners, are invited to participate in this international symposium on migration, immigration, and AI. Those who are interested in presenting or serving as a roundtable or a panel discussant, please follow the registration link below to submit your information, including your name, email address, affiliation, job title, and the area(s) or topic(s) of your presentation or discussion, along with a brief abstract (100-200 words). The due date to register is February 1, 2025.

Registration form: https://form.jotform.com/243405756369162

Please contact Mr. David Heston at [email protected] if you have any questions.