Essays on America’s Future: Refugees, Migration and National Security

Photo of refugees arriving by boat on a beach As part of the 34th annual Frank Church Conference on public affairs on October 23, we are pleased to present a collection of essays, authored by a diverse group of policy practitioners, academics, students, and members of the refugee community.

Essay topics include personal perspectives on cultural diversity and local refugee policy, examinations of the politics and policy implications of the Trump administration’s stance on refugees, and considerations of the broader humanitarian context behind the global refugee crisis.

Over 65.6 million people are displaced around the world, including 22.5 million who are officially classified as refugees. This represents the greatest population displacement since World War II. The numbers are not improving. Last year, 10 million people were newly displaced by conflict or persecution – the equivalent of 20 people forced to leave their homes every minute of 2016. At a time of great crisis and significant public disagreement about how to handle the global refugee population, it is essential that we commit to tolerance, civility and reasoned public discourse on these difficult issues.

We will publish additional essays in the coming days, so please plan to return.

Regards,
Steven Feldstein
Frank and Bethine Church Chair of Public Affairs