Dr. Silva's research in the area of human security focuses on the following topics: 1) investigating policies that shape the political participation of marginalized groups, particularly immigrants and people of color.; 2) how premigratory experiences affect political behavior; 3) how state and local immigration policy conflicts lead to a "chilling effect" among immigrants, Dr. Silva is currently investigating the mechanisms under which food assistant policies are created by interviewing state politicians and bureaucrats and then examine the outcomes of these policies by interviewing county bureaucrats and food assistance recipients.