AI-Powered Decision Support Tool for Migration Policy Makers

We aim to present an innovative AI-powered decision support system designed to enhance policy-making processes by facilitating data-driven consultations between local government officials and Ukrainian forced migrants in Poland. Our research combines the development of this tool with empirical testing of its effectiveness in supporting municipal decision-makers across several Polish cities. The system leverages natural language processing of Telegram conversations – a primary communication platform among Ukrainian migrants – to identify key challenges and needs of this population. This data informs an interactive interface that helps officials better understand and respond to migrant communities' concerns. The paper presents: • Technical architecture of the tool, including data collection methods and AI-driven analysis approaches • Comparative analysis of the tool's implementation across different Polish municipalities • Results of empirical testing with local government officials, measuring the tool's impact on decision-making processes • Assessment of how the tool may affect policy responses to migrants' needs • Discussion of potential applications in other contexts and policy domains Our research contributes to migration governance scholarship by demonstrating how computational methods can enhance policy-making processes at the local level while maintaining connection to national and EU-wide governance frameworks. The findings indicate how AI-driven tools can support evidence-based policy-making while ensuring more inclusive governance practices. The comparative analysis across different municipalities provides insights into varying local approaches to migration governance and identifies best practices in technology-supported policy-making. The paper addresses key contemporary challenges in migration governance: the need for responsive local-level policies, the importance of evidence-based decision-making, and the potential of new technologies in supporting policy processes. By documenting both successes and challenges in implementing such tools, we contribute to broader discussions about technological innovation in migration governance and its implications for policy-making practices.