The Need for Evidence-Based Understanding of Immigration and Its Consequences

Session Type: Invited Session

Abstract

The population characteristics of the U.S. are changing dramatically; the majority origin population is expected to continue to decline while those from immigrant and minority backgrounds are expected to increase. This changing demographic is having a significant impact on U.S. society, especially in schools where questions regarding the quality of education immigrant students receive is of major concern. Research indicates that many immigrant children are failing to gain the skills and knowledge that will lead them to education advancement, economic security, civic engagement, and social and emotional well-being. Schools and communities have been chided as unresponsive to the needs of immigrant students. This panel discusses what the evidence tells us about the changes in our U.S. population and the implications it is likely to have for immigrant children, including: how schools should work with undocumented students; how to accommodate the needs of transnational children; and what should be the responses to policies hindering the educational futures of immigrant children.

Sub Unit

• AERA Presidential Session

Chair

• Alfredo J. Artiles, Arizona State University

Papers

• U.S. Immigration Policies: Learning From Past Mistakes - Douglas Massey, Princeton University

• Are Small Steps Forward Enough? Assessing the Benefits of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals From the National Undocumented Research Project - Roberto Gonzales, Harvard University

• Children in Transnational Families: The Education Implications - Joanna Dreby, State University of New York Albany

• The Civic Engagement of Latino Immigrants in Their Children’s Schools: Challenges and Opportunities - Veronica Terriquez, University of Southern California

Discussant

• Howard F. Chang, University of Pennsylvania