WorldCanvass begins its tenth season of internationally focused discussions on October 9 with “The Politics and Impact of Immigration.” Arguments over reasonable and desirable immigration legislation and the control of U.S. borders have long vexed the political class, policy makers, and the American public, but they’ve become extraordinarily polarizing under the heightened rhetoric of recent years. WorldCanvass will explore, from diverse and often divergent points of view, the complexities that make the immigration discussion so nuanced and difficult. We’ll also hear stories of recent immigrants who’ve chosen to bring their skills, talents, and energies to their new home, Iowa. Joan Kjaer hosts the program, which takes place in downtown Iowa City at MERGE, 136 South Dubuque Street, from 5:30-7 p.m. on Tuesday, October 9, and is free and open to the public. We invite you to come at 5 and join us for a pre-show catered reception.
WorldCanvass: The Politics and Impact of Immigration
Segment 1—5:30-6:00 p.m.
Political hot potato—historical and legal overview of immigration in America
Bram Elias—UI College of Law
Robin Clark-Bennett—UI Labor Center
Mary Hogan —U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Segment 2—6:00-6:30 p.m.
Media coverage of immigration; public and local responses to the current crackdown
David Ryfe—UI School of Journalism and Mass Communication
Jeff Cox—UI Department of History; board member, Hawkeye Chapter of Iowa ACLU
Captain Bill Campbell—Iowa City Police Department
Segment 3—6:30-7 p.m.
Iowa stories of immigration and assimilation
Mazahir Salih—Center for Worker Justice; member, Iowa City City Council
Jesus Chuy Renteria—Hancher
WorldCanvass programs are recorded as audio podcasts and are available on iTunes, the Public Radio Exchange (PRX), and the WorldCanvass website. University of Iowa International Programs produces the series in partnership with MERGE, 136 South Dubuque Street. Audio production is provided by Kyle Marxen.
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact Amy Green in advance at amy-green-1@uiowa.edu or 319-335-1433.