Adoptee Fear & Belonging: Navigating Structural Racism in an Era of Immigration Politics
This three-hour workshop centers adoptee experience in the United States during a time when immigration and race are at the forefront of political agendas and public discourse. As national conversations increasingly frame immigration through fear and control, adoptees, particularly transracial, transnational, and immigrant adoptees, may experience renewed questions of safety, belonging, and identity. Participants will explore the history of structural racism in America and examine how racial hierarchies and exclusionary policies have shaped both immigration and adoption systems over time. By tracing how we got here, the workshop connects historical patterns of racialized fear and inequity to present-day narratives that affect adoptees’ sense of self, permanence, and belonging.
Through guided reflection and facilitated discussion, participants will be able to do the following upon completion of the workshop:
- Identify ways in which US immigration policy has sustained racial inequality
- Recognize how immigration policy can actively impact family dynamics
- Explain how core issues in adoption may be activated by current immigration enforcement practices and national rhetoric
About our Presenter:
Dr. Nabina Liebow works at American University as Director of the College of Arts & Sciences’ Leadership and Ethical Development Program. In her role, she seeks to make ethics education accessible to students from all backgrounds. Her academic research is focused on the intersection of ethics and race. Dr. Liebow is a transracial, international adoptee and in this session will help us explore the complexities of race, immigration and politics in adoption.
Please also remember to share the link to our CEU page with your colleagues and friends! https://barkeradoptionfoundation.org/resources/resources-for-professionals/continuing-education-units-ceus/
Date: June 22, 2026
Time: 9:30am – 12:45pm
Location: Virtual Training
Cost: $45
CEU Information: 3 CAT 1 CEU’s (Meets MD Licensing Structural Racism & Anti-Oppressive Social Work Practice Requirements)
Organizer: The Barker Adoption Foundation, (301) 664-9664, vdownes@barkerfoundation.org