Opening Michigan's Doors to Immigrants

The university often extends the first welcome to visitors from outside the United States. Visitors come as research scientists, scholars, students, and young professionals wishing to work or study on Michigan’s campuses. Both the State Capitol and the private sector have recently taken an assertive role in retaining and further recruiting this audience. They are inviting visitors to stay in Michigan as employees and employers focused on areas of much-needed talent and expertise. As our universities build world acclaim and as Michigan opens its doors to global business opportunities, more visitors are envisioning making Michigan home for their family and for their business center.

IPPSR’s April Forum will look to a panel with deep knowledge and experience in opening doors to Michigan’s next generation of global leaders. Why has Michigan set a commitment to opening doors to immigrants? What are the real challenges for doing so? What is the perspective of other regions on state immigration? Are there best practices noted for universities, private sector recruiters and policy makers for working together to grow population and diversify the talent base? How might our state become more inclusive toward new immigrants once they are here? How can we assure that immigration in Michigan does not become migration to regions outside of the Great Lakes?

Speakers

Peter Briggs, Director, MSU Office for International Students and Scholars. Briggs has more than 30 years experience in services to international students and scholars.
Briggs’ Presentation: International Students in Michigan (.pdf)
Steve Tobocman, Director, Global Detroit. Tobocman has spent the past three years spearheading a regional economic revitalization strategy focused on immigration and global connections.
Immigration and Michigan’s Economic Future (.pdf)
Karen Phillippi, Deputy Director, Michigan Office for New Americans. Phillippi has worked in immigration law for more than 20 years.
Ann Marie Schneider, Director, Program Planning and Development, Institute for Public Policy and Social Research. She leads IPPSR’s program planning and development division and advises the Institute’s communications and marketing strategies.