Beyond the Undocumented: Examining Immigrant Vulnerability and Resilience in Disaster Contexts
Lead: Yvonne Dadson
Counselors: DeeDee Bennet Gayle, Elisabeth Gilmore
This research project examines how diverse immigrant communities experience and respond to disasters in the United States, moving beyond a narrow focus on undocumented status to explore vulnerability and resilience across all immigrant populations. Using a photovoice methodology that centers immigrant voices through photography and storytelling, the research investigates how immigrants perceive disaster risk, mobilize resources for recovery, and navigate emergency preparedness systems. The goal is to generate actionable recommendations for developing more inclusive and culturally responsive emergency management policies that recognize both the structural challenges immigrants face and the adaptive strategies they employ.
Other Projects in this Focus Area
Products
Publications
Dadson, Y.A., Bennett-Gayle, D.M., Ramenzoni, V. et al. (2024). Experiences of Immigrants During Disasters in the US: A Systematic Literature Review. J Immigrant Minority Health, 27, 134–148.
DOI: 10.1007/s10903-024-01649-8
Conference Presentations
Dadson, Y. A. (2025). Bridging Barriers: Advocating for Inclusive Disaster Management for Immigrant Communities. IAEM Annual Conference & EMEX 25.
Dadson, Y.A., Bennett Gayle, D., Ramenzoni, V., Gilmore, E. (2025) The Climate Divide: Unveiling the Disproportionate Burden on Immigrant Communities in the United States [Poster]. 2025 Climate Health Frontiers Symposium. Houston, TX.
Dadson, Y. A., Bennett Gayle, D., Ramenzoni, V., and Gilmore, E. (2024). Impacts of Disasters on Immigrant Populations in the U.S.: A Systematic Literature Analysis [Poster]. 49th Annual Natural Hazards Research and Applications Workshop. Boulder, CO. https://hazards.colorado.edu/uploads/poster_session/Dadson_2024NHWPoster.pdf
Dadson, Y. A., Bennett Gayle, D., Ramenzoni, V., and Gilmore, E. (2024). Disaster Impacts on Immigrant Populations in the U.S.: A Systematic Literature Analysis [Poster]. Disaster Research Center 60th Anniversary Workshop. University of Delaware. Newark, DE.
Dadson, Y. A. (2023). Challenges Immigrants Face During Disasters: A Systematic Literature Review. FEMA’s 25th Annual Emergency Management Higher Education (HiEd) Symposium.