With my journey through grad school continuing, I've successfully completed three research papers this semester for my proseminars on international politics, political modernization, and congressional politics. The fact that I enjoyed each class and conducting research for each proves just how much of a nerd I really am! This latest round of papers I've completed encompass a variety of topics. In the first, I explore the relationship between foreign aid and immigration: is increasing foreign aid to a given country a viable strategy for curbing inflows of migrants? If so, foreign aid can serve as a valuable tool for policymakers who have to contend with constituent demands that immigration be reduced. Simultaneously, because foreign aid, in theory, would reduce immigration by improving prospects for employment and ensuring more secure household incomes in other countries, aid can be a more successful long-term strategy for reducing immigration since individuals are motivated t