Assessing US immigration policy in the second Trump administration

In 2025, the United States grappled with complex immigration policy challenges, from border management and asylum processing to workforce integration and family reunification. As the nation navigates evolving demographics, economic needs, and political priorities, understanding the successes and shortcomings of recent policy approaches is essential.

On Tuesday, January 13, the Center for Economic Security and Opportunity at Brookings will host an event to examine the current immigration landscape and reflect on policy developments over the past year. The discussion will explore recent legislative and administrative actions, their economic implications, and the broader political and social impacts on American communities.

The event will open with a fireside chat featuring Rep. María Elvira Salazar (R-Fla.), who will share her perspective on immigration policy from Capitol Hill. Marcela Escobari, senior fellow in the Global Economy and Development program at Brookings, will moderate.

This will be followed by a panel discussion moderated by Tara Watson, director of the Brookings Center for Economic Security and Opportunity. It will feature David Bier, director of immigration studies at the Cato Institute; Wendy Edelberg, Brookings senior fellow in Economic Studies; Kristie De Peña, director of immigration policy at the Niskanen Center; and Eduardo Porter, economics and business journalist, joining virtually.

Online viewers can pose questions in advance by emailing [email protected].