91ÑÇÉ«

, Unwelcome Shores is an ethnographic study of the Liberian refugee community in Staten Island, New 91ÑÇÉ«, home to the largest per capita concentration of Liberians in the U.S., that sheds light on the racialization of Black refugees and the racism they have experienced at every step of their migration journey. In this pioneering study, sociologist Bernadette Ludwig explores how Liberians have responded to such racist exclusions, noting how members of this community reject the informal refugee label once they are resettled in the United States. Liberian migrants often view the label as a liability since the larger general public, the media, and the U.S. government tend to regard Black refugees as an economic and social burden unworthy of assistance. Indeed, Black refugees’ humanity is often ignored, Ludwig contends, in favor of overemphasizing presumed barbaric violence, endemic wars, cultural backwardness, and diseases. By detailing the lack of aid and support for Black refugees and describing how Liberian refugees in particular have had to overcome various struggles and barriers in coming to the U.S. and while living here, Unwelcome Shores highlights the overarching role of race and anti-Black racism in American society.

Bernadette Ludwig, PhD is a Sociologist and the Assistant Dean of the Macricostas School of Arts and Sciences at Western Connecticut State University (WCSU). Prior to joining WCSU, she was a tenured Professor of Sociology and the Director of Civic Engagement at a college in New 91ÑÇÉ«.

Her primary research focuses on the intersection of immigration, race, and gender and analyzes how seemingly racially neutral refugee and immigration policies indeed are inherently racist. In addition to her book, (Rutgers University Press, 2025) she had published widely in journals such as International Migration, African and Black Diaspora: An International Journal, and International Journal of Migration, Health and Social Care, and in edited books.

In another research project, she investigates the significance and meaning of community-engaged learning opportunities for students, in particular those from historically excluded groups which have been published in Michigan Journal of Community Service, Learning Science Education & Civic Engagement, and others. Her co-edited book  (Edward Elgar Publishing) was published in August 2026.

Before pursuing a PhD in Sociology, Dr. Ludwig worked with refugee and immigrant communities in Atlanta GA. During that time, she was the executive director of two non-profit organizations, including Culture Connect, Inc., which she co-founded. Her years of working in the field with refugees and immigrants continue to inform her research and her teaching.  As a first-generation college graduate and immigrant, she is committed to mentoring students, in particular those from historically excluded groups. Dr. Ludwig also serves as a pro-bono country conditions expert for asylum and deportation claims/hearings.