Description

We nearly all accept that the United States is a nation of immigrants. Yet that same issue has long been a subject of great consternation and disagreement. Today the challenge continues to be foremost in the minds of many residents – both pro and con.

This BBL discussion will examine what we can do in today’s environment to resolve the multiple viewpoints that exist. Topics to cover will include:

CONTEXT – A quick review of immigration history
1. The number of immigrants and their country or origin by year
2. The major Federal laws passed regarding immigration.
3. The history of the share of foreign-born people residing in the United States and the corresponding level of political polarization.

TODAY’S IMMIGRATION ISSUES – For discussion by attendees
1. What level of immigration should be allowed?
2. What criteria for admission should be applied?:
– Level of professional skills they bring.
– Requirement to invest ‘x’ level of capital within the U.S.
– Specifically ‘seasonal’ workers on temporary basis.
– Humanitarian relief (asylum) either due to natural disasters or threat of death from crime, drugs, etc.
– Selection by lottery – to a limit for each country
– Genetic relationship to existing citizens?
– And in what proportions? How to decide?
3. Special requirements for assimilation, e.g. learning English?
4. Implementation and border security issues – including humane treatment?
5. Existing undocumented immigrants?

For this meeting the moderator will be Bill Rosser MBA ’62, substituting for Herb Kaplan, current leader of the BBL.

Participants must register by March 16th to receive details on joining the discussion.