Columbia Policy Forum Connects Elected Officials and University Faculty to Discuss Immigration

In May 2017, the Office of Government and Community Affairs (GCA) hosted its third annual Policy Forum for Elected and Appointed Officials. Organized with support from the Office of the Provost, the annual Forum provides an opportunity for University faculty, researchers, and elected officials to engage on policy challenges facing New York City, New York State, and the nation at large. Previous topics have included health-care reform, workforce development, and at-risk youth. This year’s Forum, entitled “Exploring Urban Policy Affecting Immigrants, Refugees, and New Americans,” discussed migration trends in New York City, immigrant contributions to the urban economy, and “Sanctuary City” status and other policy solutions that further protect and support immigrant and refugee families.

Featuring faculty from Columbia School of Social Work, Columbia College, Teachers College, the Mailman School of Public Health, and Columbia Law School, the Forum was divided into two panels: the first, focusing on the history, trends, and current policy landscape on immigration in New York City; and the second, discussing proposed policy solutions. Drawing from their wide range of personal and professional experience, panelists discussed immigration trends, social service gaps, health and education considerations, recent legal cases, and next steps. Both panels featured rich dialogue between elected officials and University faculty, including lengthy discussion on recent demographic shifts in New York City, engaging aging immigrant communities, and overlooked barriers to providing appropriate and sufficient health, education, and legal services to new Americans.

In a small, seminar-like setting, approximately 50 guests attended the Forum, representing 25 different elected offices and several related city and state agencies, including the New York City Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs and the New York State Office for New Americans. Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer and New York State Assemblywoman Carmen de la Rosa also attended the event and spoke on the significant contributions immigrants make to New York City and State, and the need for additional action to protect those who are most vulnerable.

Many of the conversations that began at the Forum have continued beyond Columbia in the months since. As the dialogue on immigration reform has remained in the national spotlight, several panelists have been in contact with elected offices in order to advise on policy measures. Additionally, Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer invited Assistant Professor of Sociology and Forum panelist Van Tran to partner with her office on addressing the needs of growing immigrant communities in Upper Manhattan.

Since the Forum took place, GCA has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from both panel participants and elected officials. While continuing to host future policy Forums, GCA also hopes to identify additional opportunities to connect elected officials and University scholars on projects benefiting New York City and State.