Immigration remains one of the most contentious policy issues in America. Both Republicans and Democrats agree that the current immigration system is broken, but do not agree on how to fix it legislatively. Since 1996, various attempts to pass major reform have stalled due to the increasing polarization over the issue. Congress can no longer avoid the problem, however. The next decade will mark major demographic turning points for the United States, and the progressive implementation of legal immigration channels that meets the needs of the U.S. economy will be necessary. Part of the solution will involve dealing with the status of the 10.5 million undocumented people already in the United States — many for decades.

At this virtual conference, which features a keynote address from Fort Bend County Judge KP George, experts will discuss the challenges faced by the undocumented immigrant population residing in the U.S. and the alternatives available to policymakers to provide practical solutions that benefit the country and the U.S. economy. Both panel sessions will be followed by a moderated Q&A.

This event is co-sponsored by the Baker Institute Center for the United States and Mexico, Center for Houston’s Future Inc. and the George W. Bush Institute.