An AS/COA panel discussed the latest developments of the bipartisan "Gang of Eight" immigration legislation. Speakers debated next steps for the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act of 2013, as well as the potential effects of the legislation.

Speakers:

• Juan Manuel Benítez, Host & Executive Producer, Pura Política, NY1
• Muzaffar Chishti, Director, Migration Policy Institute Office at NYU Law
• Jason Marczak, Director of Policy, Americas Society/Council of the Americas (Moderator)

AS/COA hosted a panel on March 7 to discuss immigration reform and its implications for the immigrant population and future U.S. competitiveness in the global economy. Panelists weighed in on reforms proposed by Republicans and Democrats, and also examined the need to retain talented and high-skilled individuals for maximum economic competitiveness.

Speakers:

• Cristóbal Conde, Former President and CEO, SunGard
• Antonio A. Del Pino, Partner and Global Co-Chair, The Latin American Practice Group, Latham & Watkins LLP
• David Dyssegaard Kallick, Senior Fellow and Director, Immigration Research Initiative, Fiscal Policy Institute
• Kathryn Wylde, President & CEO, Partnership for New York City
• Jason Marczak, Director of Policy, Americas Society/Council of the Americas (moderator)

AS/COA and the New York Immigration Coalition hosted a discussion on a critical issues that comes at a key moment: immigration reform. After the decisive role latinos played in the last election, in which one out of 10 voters belonged to the latino community, the relevance and importance of a hands-on national conversation on the reform is needed, highlighting one of the top subjects on the agenda for the next Congress. 

How likely is the passage of a immigration reform? What might be included in that legislation? Where might the two parties compromise in order to move reform forward? What are the implications for the U.S. economy and labor market? These and other issues came up in the conversation.

Panelists included:

• Erica Gonzalez, Executive Editor of El Diario La Prensa
• Chung-Wha Hong, Executive Director, New York Immigration Coalition
• Jorge Pérez, Senior Vice President, Manpower North America
• Muzaffar Chishti, Director, Migration Policy Institute Office at NYU School of Law
• Moderator: Jason Marczak, Director of Policy, Americas Society/Council of the America

Latino voters are expected to play a pivotal role in the U.S. presidential election, especially in several key battleground states. Join us for a town hall event that brings together journalists, pollsters, and policy experts to explore the complex relationship between the Latino electorate and the candidates. Will economic concerns such as unemployment and housing foreclosures guide Latinos at the voting booth? Will the candidates' immigration policies dominate? Or will large numbers of Latinos simply sit out this election? Understanding the political cross-currents buffeting Latinos today will provide valuable insight on the probable outcome of the election, as well as political and policy implications for the nation over the next four years.

Panelists:

• Maria Hinojosa, President and CEO, Futuro Media Group; Executive Producer and Anchor, Latino USA (moderator)
• Fernand Amandi, Managing Partner, Bendixen & Amandi International
• Jordan Fabian, Political Editor, Univisión News
• Chung-Wha Hong, Executive Director, New York Immigration Coalition
• Mark Hugo Lopez, Associate Director, Pew Hispanic Center

Opening Remarks:

• John Rudolph, Executive Producer, Feet in 2 Worlds
• Jason Marczak, Director of Policy, AS/COA

Watch Part 01.