Governor Snyder To Give Keynote Address At UDM Law Review Symposium On March 8th Regarding Topic Of "Global Michigan: Immigration And Economic Growth"

DETROIT, March 6, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The University of Detroit Mercy Law Review will host a symposium on Friday, March 8, from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the Detroit Athletic Club.  "Global Michigan: Immigration and Economic Growth," will feature Michigan Governor Rick Snyder as the keynote speaker, U.S. Rep. Gary Peters of Michigan's 14 ^th Congressional District as a speaker, and panelists who are leading policymakers and distinguished academics across the U.S. and Canada.

The day will be broken into three panels addressing the impact of immigration on the economic development of our cross-border region: 

• Local Approaches to Immigration:  Rolling Out the Welcome Mat
• High-Skilled and Low-Skilled Immigrants:  Can Both Be Valued and Promoted?
• The "Friendly" Border:  Economic and Human Rights Issues on the Canada-U.S. Border.  

Panelists will hail from such organizations as the American Immigration Council, Brookings Institution, Economic Policy Institute, United Auto Workers, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the Consul General of Canada, among others.  A complete itinerary for the day and list of speakers are attached to this press release.

The focus of the symposium in immigration as a tool of economic development is unique.  What is often lost in the heated debates over border security and what to do with undocumented immigrants is the reality that immigration, if properly channeled, can significantly enhance the economic well-being of metropolitan areas, states and regions.   This symposium focuses on exactly how immigration can best accomplish that goal.  

Commenting on the timeliness of the symposium, David Koelsch, an Associate Professor and Director of UDM's Immigration Law Clinic, stated, "The timing of the UDM Law Review symposium could not be better:  policymakers at the national level are debating the biggest overhaul of the immigration system in two generations, Michigan's Governor is recognized as a visionary in this area, and the pending appointment of an emergency manager in Detroit may allow bold, local initiatives to welcome immigrants to thrive."  When asked about the significance of the symposium's title, and specifically regarding Michigan's role in a global economy, Koelsch said, " Michigan is poised to take full advantage of the economic benefits of immigration:  our universities attract the best and brightest international students, Michigan is home to dozens of large multinational corporations with global workforces, and Michigan offers a quality of life and affordability that is very attractive to foreign nationals."

Just as with UDM's leading role in the Detroit Works/Detroit Future City project, the symposium demonstrates that UDM is committed to the economic, social, and cultural well-being of our city, our state, and our region.  The symposium will offer practical solutions rather than obtuse academic theories.

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