Dear Friends and Supporters,
Happy New Year! 2018 is going to be a very important year with regard to immigration and immigration policy. Here at the Institute for Immigration Research (IIR), we are determined to continue our efforts to document and discuss the positive contributions made by immigrants in the past, today, and into the future.
At this time, I am very pleased to introduce Michele Waslin, the new IIR Program Coordinator. Michele joins us with nearly 20 years of experience in immigration research and policy. In her previous roles at UnidosUS (previously the National Council of La Raza) and the American Immigration Council, she tracked and analyzed immigration developments, conducted relevant and timely research, and translated her findings into effective outreach messages and materials. At the Pew Charitable Trusts, Michele spearheaded the Immigration and the States project, which focused on the relationship between the federal, state, and local levels of government. She has written extensively on immigration policy, has authored multiple book chapters and publications, and has appeared in English- and Spanish-language media. She brings with her an impressive network of relationships with policymakers, experts, researchers, and funders. Michele grew up in Wisconsin, has traveled extensively, and holds a Ph.D. in Government and International Studies from the University of Notre Dame.
There is much to do in 2018 and, as always, we welcome your support.
Best regards,
James Witte
Director, Institute for Immigration Research & Professor of Sociology
January 12, 2018
