Congress and the Bush Administration are focused on reforming the country’s immigration policies and addressing the status of the nation’s 12 million illegal immigrants. Yet what are the prospects for real reform? And can Congress agree on legislation?
On April 26, the Brookings Institution and the Migration Policy Institute hosted a discussion on comprehensive immigration reform with keynote remarks by Rep. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) and Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.), the sponsors of the Security Through Regularized Immigration and a Vibrant Economy (STRIVE) Act. After their remarks, a panel of national experts discussed the content of the proposed law and the possibilities of immigration reform in the 110th Congress.
Welcome and Introductions:
Audrey Singer Immigration Fellow, Metropolitan Policy Program The Brookings Institution
Demetrios Papademetriou President, Migration Policy Institute
Keynote Speakers:
Jeff Flake U.S. Representative (R-Ariz.)
Luis V. Gutierrez U.S. Representative (D-Ill.)
Moderator: Audrey Singer Immigration Fellow, Metropolitan Policy Program
Panelists
Doris Meissner Senior Fellow Migration Policy Institute
Eliseo Medina International Executive Vice President Service Employees International Union
Cecilia Muñoz Senior Vice President National Council of La Raza
Craig Silvertooth Director of Federal Affairs National Roofing Contractors Association