Immigration Policy and Immigrant Families
31st National Symposium on Family Issues
October 23-24, 2023, Penn State
Immigrant families are heavily influenced by immigration policies. For example, laws determining who may legally enter the country recognize certain types of family relationships while discounting others. Immigration enforcement and border policies shape family migration strategies in home communities and contribute to the separation of children from their parents. Immigrant families encounter unique stresses related to settlement, language and cultural differences, race/ethnicity, and low income, all of which are complicated by immigrants’ legal status. Moreover, the challenges many immigrants face due to their immigration status often spill over to impact their broader kinship network, potentially taxing the resources of their adult U.S.-born children and grandchildren. These issues will likely remain highly significant in the near future given the continuing growth and geographic spread of immigrants across American communities. Currently, about 14 percent of the U.S. population is foreign born, and 26 percent of all children live in an immigrant family. This symposium brings together an exceptional panel of scholars whose research is devoted to these issues and who aim to better understand how public policies and practices are impacting this large and growing group.
The Symposium will be held in person and livestreamed. You can also view a recording.
Registration is required. The Symposium is free and is open to everyone.
The Symposium on Family Issues is sponsored annually by The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (R13 HD048150), along with Penn State departments and centers.
This publication is available in alternative media on request. Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. Penn State encourages qualified persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please consult Carolyn Scott at css7@psu.edu in advance of your participation or visit U.Ed. RES 23-154.