Winter 2018 · Issue 9
Is Immigration Reform Possible?
The cultural & political forces standing in the way of a modern immigration system — and how we can overcome them.
The cultural & political forces standing in the way of a modern immigration system — and how we can overcome them.
In this issue
The Way Forward
Immigration Reform is Not a Zero-Sum Game
Jeb Bush, Richard Fisher
Jeb Bush and Richard Fisher spoke to a Bush Center audience this fall about strategies for growing the economy. In an exchange with Holly Kuzmich, the Bush Institute’s executive director, they each explained the importance of immigration to America’s economic growth.
Congressional Perspective: Tradeoffs Are the Way to Make Immigration Reform Happen
Senator Jeff Flake (R-Arizona)
As a member of the Gang of Eight, Sen. Jeff Flake fought alongside Democrats and Republicans for immigration reform in 2013. In 2018, he’s still on the front lines of immigration legislation.
Congressional Perspective: The Timing is Right for Immigration Reform
Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Texas)
The United States welcomes more immigrants than any other country in the world. Immigration reform is necessary to continue to secure our borders as well as benefit from immigration.
Recovering Our Common Purpose
Creating a common purpose amid so much acrimony, and fashioning a shared purpose in a diverse society, is arguably our greatest national challenge.
The Identity Challenge
We Are America
Ruben Navarrette, Reverend Samuel Rodriguez
In a period of heavy anti-immigrant rhetoric, Hispanics remain rooted in faith and family while adopting — and influencing — mainstream culture.
Is Being an American and a Globalist at Odds?
Max Boot, Matthew Rooney
Can one be both a proud American and a globalist? Matthew Rooney and Max Boot discuss in a lively exchange why the two are not mutually exclusive.
DACA Is Dead, DACA Lives Again
Juan Carlos Cerda
Dreamers are used to living in uncertainty, but they have not given up hope for a long-term solution to this hot-button issue.
What Are We So Afraid of When It Comes to Immigration?
Local and national voices weigh in on the immigration debate.
Becoming Part of the Mainstream
Creating One Out of Many: The Military Way
The military successfully assimilates immigrants through instilling every soldier with a shared purpose and set of values. America should follow its lead by defining a common purpose.
Immigration is as American as Apple Pie, Baseball, and Pudge Rodriguez
Andrew Kaufmann
Like baseball, immigrants are an important part of the American fabric. Major League Baseball teams embrace this diversity, helping their players make an impact on the field as well as in their communities. What can we learn from baseball and its approach to players born outside the United States?
Refugees: An Economic Force
Ioanna Papas
Having fought for their freedom by escaping their troubled countries, refugees are a determined force that contribute to the American economy and local communities.
For Children, the Immigrant Experience Begins in School
Anne Wicks
For immigrants, assimilation into American culture does not happen purely through osmosis. Schools play a key role in this process — much deeper than just teaching English.
Busting Immigration Myths
Pervasive Myths About Immigrants
Laura Collins
As Americans grow in their unease about the economy and their communities, immigrants become a lightning rod. Despite studies that show that a flow of workers into the country helps the economy, immigrants often face the blame for what ails our society.
Too Many Immigrants? No, We Need More
Pia Orrenius
This is a good time to welcome immigrants. Shutting the door to them may shut the door to growth and lead to greater deficits.
What Makes Immigration Reform So Hard
James F. Hollifield
Immigration is a complex issue. Economic, cultural, legal, and security interests all stand in the way of finding a policy solution to manage the flow of immigrants into the U.S. We must first understand the full breadth of challenges along the pathway to a solution.