Presentation of the book “Denial, Deterrence, and Disenchantment: Why Many Never Immigrate“ by Jacob Richard Thomas

Sociologist Jacob Richard Thomas presented his recently published book “Denial, Deterrence, and Disenchantment: Why Many Never Immigrate“ at the Institute on 15 October 2026. The book is published by Cambridge University Press.

Jacob Richard Thomas (PhD, UCLA) is an Assistant Professor of Sociology at Corvinus University of Budapest in Europe and a Research Fellow at Princeton University's Center for Migration and Development. His papers have been published in peer-review journals such as "Theory and Society", "International Migration Review", "European Journal of Sociology", "Chinese Political Science Review", "International Journal of Sociology", "Symbolic Interaction", "International Political Science Review", etc.

Based on survey and interview data from over 2,500 potential immigrants from mainland China, the author discusses knowledge, and theories about potential immigrants – those who might have immigrated but did not due to social forces and immigration policy. Three mechanisms are examined: governments denying visas, policies and social forces deterring many from applying for visas, and potential immigrants becoming disenchanted with immigration.

The moderator of the book presentation was Ivan Tranfić, PhD.