As a border state with a large and growing immigrant population, Texas is disproportionately affected by federal immigration policies and is ground zero for the national immigration debate. The Houston region, home to 1.6 million immigrants, is key to understanding the importance of immigrants to local economic growth and community stability.
At a conference March 7th, more than one hundred community leaders joined Mayor Sylvester Turner, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and representatives from local and national organizations to address how Houston can take a lead in the immigration discussion. The event included a screening of a short film from the “Rational Middle of Immigration” series, and breakout sessions on addressing workforce, policy, and social support issues. The event was co-sponsored by the Baker Institute Mexico Center, New American Economy, and the Center for Houston’s Future. ADL was a supporting partner for the event along with The Rational Middle, Houston Immigration Legal Services Collaborative, the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, National Immigration Forum and the City of Houston’s Office of New Americans and Immigrant Communities.