UH will host a discussion on immigration policy for the first time Tuesday at 2:30 in the Student Center Theater.
The panel will consist of Former United States Ambassador to Uruguay Christopher Ashby, and Marty McVey, president of McVey & Associates and member of United States Agency for International Development. The panelists, all experienced in discussion on immigration, will seek to answer questions and explain the impacts of changing immigration laws.
“This is the first time we’re hosting a talk like this,” said political science professor and director of the Center for Comparative and International Studies Jonathan Slapin. “It will focus on how American policy is affecting foreign relations, and what that means for lives around the globe.”
McVey, one of the panelists speaking, helped Slapin find other suitable panelists and is bringing his background in business to the table.
“Each of the panelists bring something a little different,” said Slapin. “It’s important to get opinions on issues from people with multiple backgrounds.”
Currently, immigration laws in the U.S. are being heavily discussed and negotiated on. President Obama recently issued an executive order in an attempt to assuage some of the immigration debate, and, with a debate that’s so emotionally charged, the reaction has been fairly partisan both in the government and amongst U.S. citizens.
“Immigration has been in the news a lot lately,” said Slapin. “We’ve heard a lot about how the U.S. is dealing with border security, and a lot of students have questions they want answered.”
Slapin is adamant that students attend the event to understand the effects changing laws will have in society.
“It’s important to think about what our actions mean in relation to Mexico. We’re a border state, and whatever happens will certainly have an effect on Texas.”
