Melissa Siegel
@melissasiegel.bsky.social
Professor of Migration Studies @ Maastricht University & the United Nations University-MERIT, Migration Specialist, Policy Specialist
Melissa Siegel is an American academic specialising in migration. She is professor of migration studies at the Maastricht Graduate School of Governance and UNU-MERIT where she has also been head of the migration and development research section since 2010. .. more
Political science
38%
Sociology
33%
Psychology
8%
Economics
6%
Public Health
5%
H-index:
23
United Nations University Institute on Globalization, Culture and Mobility; Mère et Enfant en Milieu Tropical; Robert Bosch (United States); Maastricht University • Migration and Labor Dynamics, Diaspora, migration, transnational identity, Migration, Refugees, and Integration
Source: OpenAlex
Vlog: Come with me to Georgia: A week in the life of a Uni Professor
YouTube video by Melissa Siegel
youtu.be
Back by popular demand, this new vlog is out! This time with a little twist, as I take you on a trip with me to Georgia. @umsbe.bsky.social @maastrichtu.bsky.social @unumerit.bsky.social
youtu.be/Hk76_AcMaOo
youtu.be/Hk76_AcMaOo
Melissa Siegel
@melissasiegel.bsky.social
· Sep 24
What are IDPs (Internally Displaced Persons) and Why are There More Today?
YouTube video by Melissa Siegel
youtu.be
📢 We hear a lot about #migration and #migrants, but little about the different types of migrants and migration. I discuss an often forgotten group - #IDPs (internally displaced persons), who IDPs are, how they are different from #refugees & specific challenges they face.
youtu.be/ccRmcNYSCP8?...
youtu.be/ccRmcNYSCP8?...
What is happening with Development Aid?
YouTube video by Melissa Siegel
youtu.be
📢 In the current global political climate, development aid and its merits have been widely debated.
But what exactly is development aid, how is it being used? And what is the future?
📽️
@umsbe.bsky.social @unumerit.bsky.social @maastrichtu.bsky.social
youtu.be/mGtOgRT9_EM?...
But what exactly is development aid, how is it being used? And what is the future?
📽️
@umsbe.bsky.social @unumerit.bsky.social @maastrichtu.bsky.social
youtu.be/mGtOgRT9_EM?...
Melissa Siegel
@melissasiegel.bsky.social
· Jul 30
The Power of Passports
YouTube video by Melissa Siegel
youtu.be
#Passports have grown in tandem with global inequalities, opening some doors while shutting others. I explore how #passports and #citizenship shape our #mobility: who can move freely, and who can’t. @maastrichtu.bsky.social @umsbe.bsky.social @unumerit.bsky.social
youtu.be/8TycDMEYoGg
youtu.be/8TycDMEYoGg
Melissa Siegel
@melissasiegel.bsky.social
· Jul 21
Iran's silent purge: Why a million Afghans are being expelled
YouTube video by The Newsmakers
youtu.be
Today, I had the opportunity to talk about the unprecedented #deportation crisis of #Afghans from Iran on TRT World and @The_Newsmakers. You can see the full episode here: youtu.be/bXzoaLbNVgg?...
@unumerit.bsky.social @maastrichtu.bsky.social @umsbe.bsky.social
@unumerit.bsky.social @maastrichtu.bsky.social @umsbe.bsky.social
Reposted by Bruno Martorano
Melissa Siegel
@melissasiegel.bsky.social
· Jul 21
Humanitarian concerns and threat perceptions: An analysis of the key drivers of refugee attitudes in Germany
Abstract. Public perceptions of humanitarian migration are shaped by conflicting sentiments, balancing perceived threats against humanitarian responsibilit
academic.oup.com
🎉 I'm excited to share that our new paper (with Tobi Hillenbran, Bruno Martorano, and Laura Metzger) "Humanitarian concerns and threat perceptions: An analysis of the key drivers of refugee attitudes in Germany" has been published in Migration Studies!
academic.oup.com/migration/ar...
academic.oup.com/migration/ar...
Melissa Siegel
@melissasiegel.bsky.social
· Jul 15
Vlog: A Week in the Life of University Professor: Summer School in Armenia
YouTube video by Melissa Siegel
youtu.be
🎥For this week's video, I decided to do something a little different, vlog style. Here I talk a bit about my work and take you on a work trip with me to Armenia. Let me know if you like this kind of content.
youtu.be/i1TPNEEc5Zs
youtu.be/i1TPNEEc5Zs
Melissa Siegel
@melissasiegel.bsky.social
· Jun 17
Gender Responsive Migration Policies
YouTube video by Melissa Siegel
youtu.be
#Migration policies often claim to be neutral, but neutrality can reinforce existing #inequalities. This video explains how migration policies can move from harmful to transformative. @unumerit.bsky.social @maastrichtu.bsky.social @umsbe.bsky.social
youtu.be/i4qTT-XEdGU
youtu.be/i4qTT-XEdGU
What is Sustainable Return Migration?
YouTube video by Melissa Siegel
www.youtube.com
📣 How can people who return to their country after migrating reintegrate successfully? In my latest video, I explain the concept of sustainable #return for #migrants into their home countries.
@umsbe.bsky.social @unumerit.bsky.social @umsbe.bsky.social
Check out!
🔗 www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jjp...
@umsbe.bsky.social @unumerit.bsky.social @umsbe.bsky.social
Check out!
🔗 www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jjp...
Melissa Siegel
@melissasiegel.bsky.social
· Apr 29
Difference Between Migration, Immigration and Emigration
YouTube video by Melissa Siegel
youtu.be
📣If you don't know the difference between #migration, #Immigration and #emigration, this video is for you! youtu.be/nAfJtf0jTmY
Melissa Siegel
@melissasiegel.bsky.social
· Apr 29
UNU-MERIT staff » Publications
unu-merit.nl
Ever wondered if simply sharing neutral facts about refugees could unintentionally shape attitudes? Tobias Hillenbrand, Bruno Martorano, and myself explores exactly this in: "Not as innocent as it seems? The effects of 'neutral' messaging on refugee attitudes."
🔗 unu-merit.nl/publications...
🔗 unu-merit.nl/publications...
Melissa Siegel
@melissasiegel.bsky.social
· Apr 15
What is the Weaponization of Migration?
YouTube video by Melissa Siegel
youtu.be
📣 Migration as a weapon? Here, I break down how migration flows can be strategically manipulated as leverage—whether to destabilize neighbors, gain political concessions, or control territory. #migration @unumerit.bsky.social @maastrichtu.bsky.social @umsbe.bsky.social
youtu.be/jcXLTd4DlPk
youtu.be/jcXLTd4DlPk
Melissa Siegel
@melissasiegel.bsky.social
· Mar 21
What are "Safe Third Countries" in Migration Policy?
YouTube video by Melissa Siegel
youtu.be
🌍What are 'Safe Third Countries'? It's a crucial but controversial topic in #asylum and #refugee policies.🎥This video dives into the complexities and criticisms surrounding this idea, and how it affects people seeking safety worldwide.🌏@unumerit.bsky.social @umsbe.bsky.social
youtu.be/pFIxRqR3X4g
youtu.be/pFIxRqR3X4g
Melissa Siegel
@melissasiegel.bsky.social
· Mar 21
Diaspora Bonds: What Makes Them Successful
YouTube video by Melissa Siegel
youtu.be
🗣🎬What is the key to issuing a successful Diaspora Bond?💵 Find out in this new video where I discuss this as well as examples of successes and failures. #diaspora #diasporabonds #migration #development @unumerit.bsky.social @maastrichtu.bsky.social @umsbe.bsky.social
youtu.be/rnRu1QiLYDU
youtu.be/rnRu1QiLYDU
Melissa Siegel
@melissasiegel.bsky.social
· Mar 21
MMDP 2025: A Journey in Migration Management Training
This post marks the beginning of a new blog series documenting the Migration Management Diploma Programme (MMDP) at UNU-MERIT.
go.unu.edu
For over a decade, the Migration Management Diploma Program (MMDP) @unumerit.bsky.social has trained #migration professionals with the knowledge, skills, and networks to navigate complex policy challenges. In this blog we reflect on the program driving meaningful change.
📄 go.unu.edu/ysQ54
📄 go.unu.edu/ysQ54
Melissa Siegel
@melissasiegel.bsky.social
· Mar 21
How many refugees are there and where are they hosted? Forced Migration Update
YouTube video by Melissa Siegel
youtu.be
📢 📽️ #displacement around the world continues to grow. For understanding how many people are currently displaced because of war, conflict and persecution as well as where they are coming from and where they are hosted check out this new video. #refugees #asylum #asylumseeker youtu.be/mCdxTufwGCA
Melissa Siegel
@melissasiegel.bsky.social
· Mar 21
What are Pushbacks (During Migration)?
YouTube video by Melissa Siegel
youtu.be
📽️Pushbacks at Borders—What Are They, and Why Are They So Controversial? I explain the concept of pushbacks, highlights their legal and humanitarian implications, and discusses how they are being used worldwide. youtu.be/MUM-4KGvKGs
@unumerit.bsky.social @maastrichtu.bsky.social @umsbe.bsky.social
@unumerit.bsky.social @maastrichtu.bsky.social @umsbe.bsky.social