Immigration, Politics and Local Responses

In the absence of federal immigration reform, state and local policies that impact the immigrant population are being implemented in communities across the country. The local response is exacerbated by financial crisis and economic anxiety in our country, leaving residents, community leaders, and elected officials with mixed emotions about the role immigrants will play in shaping our social, economic and cultural future.

On February 26, the Metropolitan Policy Program and Greater Washington Research at Brookings hosted a discussion focusing on a new report that examines the local, regional and national factors that led Prince William County, an outer suburb of the nation’s capital, to adopt tough measures against unauthorized immigrants. Additional case studies will be explored, with a focus on the ripening immigration debate and ideas for successfully addressing long-term demographic changes and challenges.

Brookings Senior Fellow Audrey Singer presented the report, and Marcela Sanchez of the New York Times Syndicate moderated a panel discussion.

Read the report »
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