When disaster strikes, survival hinges on more than resources—it requires resilience, adaptability, and the strength of community bonds. For Veeshan Rayamajhee, assistant professor of economics at New Mexico State University, understanding this dynamic is critical.
With support from a $4,000 Humane Studies Fellowship in 2019, Rayamajhee completed his PhD and launched a career focused on the resilience of immigrant communities during natural disasters. His groundbreaking work sheds light on a troubling truth: immigrants face unique barriers that make recovery far more difficult than for their native-born neighbors.
In his recent publication in the Journal of Comparative Economics, “The Social Behavior of Immigrants During Natural Disasters,” Rayamajhee uncovers the stark realities of these challenges. Language barriers, limited access to critical resources, and social isolation often leave immigrant families struggling to relocate or rebuild. These obstacles are compounded by systemic inequalities that widen the gap between those who recover quickly and those left behind.
Through the support of IHS, Rayamajhee has connected with a network of scholars and policymakers who share his vision of empowering vulnerable communities. He emphasizes that economic resilience and social support are not just ideals—they’re lifelines. His research doesn’t just ask tough questions; it provides actionable insights to help policymakers and community leaders design systems that don’t leave the most vulnerable behind.
Rayamajhee’s work is a testament to the transformative power of research backed by compassion. By identifying the barriers holding communities back and offering pathways to overcome them, his work empowers individuals to navigate life’s toughest challenges with dignity and determination.
By supporting IHS, you invest in scholars at a formative stage in their careers—not only with crucial financial support, but also with inspiration and connections to other like-minded and driven intellectual collaborators that they can’t find anywhere else.
