Her principal research is on issues related to migration and immigration. She has written numerous articles on the legal status of immigrant workers in the United States and the incentives to cross the border clandestinely. Much of her work attempts to discern the link between legal status in the United States and economic outcomes—leading to papers on the impact of regularization or legalization programs on residents who are undocumented. Her teaching also emphasizes the importance of immigration policies. Contested Borders, a mini-course that explores ‘policy on the ground’, takes place at the U.S./Mexico border area. She recently started a project on refugee movements and asylum policies around the world. At the moment, there are more than 65 million forcibly displaced people whose lives are at risk.