For my thesis project I decided to research the H-2B visa program that is run by the United States Department of State. The program allows U.S employers who meet strict requirements to bring foreign nationals to the U.S in order to fill the jobs that are not being taken by American citizens. The yearly cap for the visas is set at 66,000 workers. 33,000 workers begin their employment the first half of the fiscal year from October 1 to March 31. The second 33,000 workers begin working from April 1 through September 30. I had the chance to speak with an employer and a worker to get a feel for what it was like to be a part of the H-2B visa program. I found out that hiring foreign workers through this program it is not an easy way out of hiring U.S citizens to fill jobs. The cost to hire a worker through the program costs $3,500, plus at least a state required minimum wage. The employer also said that he has to buy ad space in the paper for two weeks, as a pre-requirement to enter the visa program. He says that he will receive one call if he is lucky. The research I did revolves around talking about the myths that surround the visa, such as taking away American jobs, as well as the processing hardships that the employer and worker have to go through before being able to work. YouTube Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYveMApCml8&feature=em-upload_owner

"The Secondary Integration of Somalis in Phoenix" is a multifaceted thesis research project consisting of a full literature review, an economic report, a reflection, and a 30-minute TV Documentary entitled Speak. Speak can be view for free at: https://vimeo.com/148383163 The literature review is divided into three main categories: current literature on issues of citizenship and identity, the economic position of Somalis, and basic demographic studies of specific Somali communities. The economic report focuses on job placement and employer data, which greatly connects to Somali housing patterns. The reflection document is a "behind the scenes" look at the project manifestation, process, and meaning. The documentary, Speak, examines the lives of two Somali refugee student's experiences in the Phoenix public school system. Overall, the literature, workplace integration, housing, and education of Somali refugees in Phoenix are examined in this thesis. The majority of the available information focuses on primary integration, not secondary integration. The economic literature currently available only brushes the surface of secondary integration. So, the goal of this thesis is to survey the field of opportunities, but more importantly, start the secondary integration research process. It is argued throughout the thesis that scholars, researchers, and communities would be positively affected if more research focused on the secondary integration of Somali immigrants and/or refugees. Studies of secondary integration have the potential to increase awareness, both informational and cultural, within the Somali community, and to the larger communities they are entering.