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WIU Political Science Professor Julia Albarracín attended the International Colloquium on Latino Studies in the United States last month in Havana, Cuba.
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WIU Political Science Professor Presents Research at International Colloquium in Cuba

November 6, 2025

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MACOMB, IL - -Western Illinois University Political Science Professor Julia Albarracín attended the International Colloquium on Latino Studies in the United States last month in Havana, Cuba.

The prestigious Colloquium, organized by Casa de las Américas, featured researchers from the United States, Mexico and Cuba. Presentations explored a variety of topics, including the integration of Latino/a immigrants in the United States and Latino/a electoral behavior in the 2024 U.S. election. The event also included a cultural performance blending African music, hip-hop and traditional Cuban music—illustrating Cuba's vibrant and eclectic culture.

At the conference, Albarracín presented research from her forthcoming book, Young and Undocumented: Political Belonging in Uncertain Times (New York University Press, 2025).

"The opportunity to attend the Colloquium on Latinos in the United States was priceless," Albarracín said. "I was able to share my research findings with colleagues from across the hemisphere and gain valuable input on my work. This is one reason why I love my job. And as a scholar of Latin America, I was amazed by the Cuban people's resilience and determination to endure in a regime that combines a state-run system with capitalistic features."

While visits to Cuba by American academics have become more common in recent years, they remain relatively rare. Albarracín's participation in the Colloquium highlights the high level of scholarly engagement among WIU faculty and the University's commitment to advancing international academic collaboration.

For more information on WIU's Political Science program, visit wiu.edu/cas/political_science/.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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