A Nation of Immigrants: Current Policy Debates Meet New Social Science Research 4/15/2004
From: Johanna Ebner, 202-383-9005 ext. 332 or pubinfo@asanet.org, or Lee Herring or herring@asanet.org, both of the American Sociological Association News Advisory: There are about 33 million foreign-born persons living in the United States and nearly two-thirds of these immigrants are either naturalized citizens or legal permanent residents. Another estimated 9 million are undocumented residents. The American Sociological Association (ASA)-in collaboration with the California Institute for Federal Policy Research, Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Council of Professional Associations on Federal Statistics, National Council of La Raza, Population Association of America, and the Population Resource Center-is sponsoring a briefing offering a valuable perspective on immigration in the United States. Experts estimate that 6 million undocumented persons are in the workforce. President Bush's recent proposal to establish a temporary worker program has put immigration reform back on the congressional agenda. As Congress debates various proposals, findings from a large body of social science research can help lawmakers make informed, evidence-based decisions related to immigration policy. Panelists at the briefing will discuss significant research on immigrants in America: Where do immigrants settle, and why? How do immigrant workers benefit the United States, and what are potential societal costs? What has research shown about assimilation experiences over the past century? Who: Dr. Rogelio Saenz, chair, Dept. of Sociology, Texas A&M University, and author of Latinos and the Changing Face of America at the Turn of the Century; Dr. Douglas S. Massey, professor of Sociology and Public Policy, Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, Princeton University, and co-author of Beyond Smoke and Mirrors: Mexican Immigration in an Era of Economic Integration; and Dr. Victor Nee, chair, Dept. of Sociology, Cornell University, and co-author of Remaking the American Mainstream: Assimilation and the New Immigration. ASA's Executive Officer Dr. Sally T. Hillsman will moderate the panel and a question-and-answer session. What: Congressional Briefing on A Nation of Immigrants: Current Policy Debates Meet New Social Science Research When: Monday, April 19 from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. (lunch served) Where: Room B339 Rayburn House Office Building ------ The American Sociological Association, founded in 1905, is a non-profit membership association dedicated to advancing the field of sociology as a scientific discipline and profession serving the public good. With more than 13,000 members, ASA serves sociologists who are faculty members at colleges and universities, researchers, practitioners, and students. |