Immigration, Incorporation and the Prospects for Reform

With the United States’ foreign-born population reaching historic levels, immigration reform appears to be more urgent than ever. The growth rate of the country’s immigrant population is increasing rapidly, various metropolitan areas are emerging as new gateways for the foreign-born influx and the new residents are becoming a critical part of the nation’s labor force.

What impact will the rise in an immigrant population have on potential reform and on the U.S. overall? In this presentation Audrey Singer, along with City University of New York’s John Mollenkopf, studies the numerous effects of the country’s changing demographics, from shifts in the job market to how second-generation immigrants will socially incorporate themselves into American society.

Singer and Mollenkopf also outline the challenges facing federal, state and local governments over creating adequate immigration policy. They call for mandates that properly integrate foreign-born residents into their new communities on social, economic and political levels. Singer and Mollenkopf specifically advocate eliminating political gridlock on the federal level to help push through comprehensive reform.

Full Presentation » (PDF)