Uprooted: Rediscovering American history

Uprooted: Rediscovering American history is a Brookings series that examines how the contributions of marginalized communities are being erased from our national story and how systemic racism continues to shape America’s institutions, policies, and lived realities. Through evidence-based analysis across five key themes, the series reclaims overlooked histories, advances racial equity, and offers policy solutions to help build a more inclusive and resilient democracy. Sign up to get updates on new research here.

Governance Studies

New U.S. citizens listen to a speech before taking the Oath of Allegiance and receiving their naturalization certificates during a formal ceremony at Midway International Airport in Chicago, Illinois, on June 25, 2025.

Immigrants & Immigration Eroding the American Dream through federal policy shifts

Gabriel R. Sanchez, David A. Lopez Amaya

March 30, 2026

SPRINGFIELD, OHIO - FEBRUARY 3: Bamilia Delcine Olistin restocks product at Bon Samaritain Grocery, a Haitian-owned grocery, on February 3, 2026 in Springfield, Ohio. A federal judge issued a temporary stay blocking the Trump administration's attempt to strip Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian immigrants, but Haitian TPS beneficiaries and residents of Springfield continue to face uncertainty over their protected status.

Immigrants & Immigration The impact of immigrants on the US economy

Tara Watson

March 30, 2026

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - FEBRUARY 05: Observers film ICE agents as they hold a perimeter after one of their vehicles got a flat tire on Penn Avenue on February 5, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Protests continue calling for an end to immigration raids in the Twin cities which have already resulted in the fatal shooting deaths of Alex Pretti, a VA nurse, and Renee Good, a mother of three, by federal agents.

Immigrants & Immigration ICE is disrupting societal norms and democratic ideals

Gabriel R. Sanchez, Rashawn Ray

March 30, 2026

UNSPECIFIED, UNITED STATES - NOVEMBER 19 — A 9-year-old girl shows off classwork at her family's apartment on November 19, 2025 at an unspecified location in the United States. Like many of her fellow immigrant students, she stayed home from school earlier in the week due to a Border Patrol operation in the area. Her mother brought her to the U.S. from Honduras in 2018, crossing the Rio Grande from Mexico to McAllen, Texas. They were later released to pursue their asylum process in U.S. immigration court.

Immigrants & Immigration Federal and state policies targeting immigrant children at school erode decades of progress in education access

Cori Alonso-Yoder

March 30, 2026

Migration and immigration: Explores how the movement of people within and into the United States continues to enrich American society.
Civic engagement and community power: Upholds the American promise of free speech and collective action built on a foundation of social movements.
Inclusion and cultural politics: Features narratives central to democratic values, and represents the unique cultures, ideas, and community norms that contribute to policy and political conversations.
Community health and well-being: Explores the foundations of America’s health crisis including social and physical environment and social institution’s influence on communities.
Technology and innovation: Advances a human-centered experience in the age of the digital revolution and reimagines the role that vulnerable populations play in digital inclusion through new sociological research questions and culturally responsive interventions.

Read more from Uprooted’s first series of publication on Migration and immigration.

Celebrating the legacy of Rosa Parks

Civil rights and social justice are still central issues in American life 70 years after Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery bus. This series honors her commitment to social change, inspiring women to lead policy and community organizing.

Migration and immigration

This series explores how the movement of people within and into the United States continues to add value to American society.

Meet our team of experts and staff

Experts

Keesha Middlemass Fellow - Governance Studies, Race, Prosperity, and Inclusion Initiative (RPII)

Gabriel R. Sanchez Senior Fellow - Governance Studies, Race, Prosperity, and Inclusion Initiative (RPII)

Keon L. Gilbert Director - Race, Prosperity, and Inclusion Initiative (RPII), Senior Fellow - Governance Studies

Nicol Turner Lee Director - Center for Technology Innovation (CTI), Senior Fellow - Governance Studies

Rashawn Ray Senior Fellow - Governance Studies, Race, Prosperity, and Inclusion Initiative (RPII)

Staff

Carly Bennett Research Analyst

Elene Charkviani Senior Research Assistant

Kwadwo Frimpong Research Associate

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Uprooted: Rediscovering American history

Uprooted: Rediscovering American history

Uprooted: Rediscovering American history

Uprooted: Rediscovering American history publishes research quarterly within five areas of research:

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