Bridging Blocks | Immigration: An American Tradition and an American Dilemma

The United States is home to more foreign-born residents than any other country. In Philadelphia, 15.7% of residents are foreign-born, which is the highest share in eight decades, according to data from The Pew Charitable Trusts. Drivers of migration include seeking economic opportunity, escaping political violence and mitigating climate-related disasters.

Two separate government agencies in the United States are charged with enforcing our immigration laws. U.S. Border Patrol was established in 1924 under the Coolidge administration, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement was established in 2003, during the George W. Bush administration. Because immigration enforcement priorities are largely set by the executive branch, both agencies’ practices can vary significantly from one administration to the next.

What is working, and what is broken, in the current system? How can we enforce immigration laws and preserve human rights and dignity? What role should local institutions play in supporting immigrant communities? 
 

Join WHYY News Community & Engagement team for Bridging Blocks, a civic dialogue series in partnership with The Free Library of Philadelphia.

Host - Tony Cuffie Senior Manager Community & Engagement, WHYY News

Moderator - Brisa Luzzi Castro Community Convener, WHYY News

Bridging Blocks, a partnership between The Free Library of Philadelphia and WHYY, is made possible by a generous grant from Fred and Barbara Sutherland