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“A Golden Era for US-Central Asia Relations?” brought together diplomats, policy experts, and scholars to examine Central Asia’s growing strategic importance.

Chekirova joined Edil Baisalov, Ambassador-Designate of the Kyrgyz Republic to the United States, and Elena Son-LaRocco, Executive Director of the Central Asia Business Council, for a conversation moderated by Dr. Alexander Cooley of Barnard College. Panelists discussed how Central Asian nations are emerging as key partners for Washington, offering trade corridors, resources, and diplomatic opportunities, even as the US has historically struggled to prioritize the region.

Chekirova’s research on migration, citizenship, and displacement was central to the discussion. She explained how Chicago’s geography, affordability, sanctuary city policies, and established social networks have made it a uniquely welcoming destination for Central Asian immigrants—particularly Kyrgyz migrants who have built thriving communities in trucking, logistics, and small business.

She also drew a striking contrast between the Central Asian migrant experience in Russia, where institutional marginalization and harassment are widespread, and in the US, where the community's primary challenge has been a lack of awareness in the broader host society.