ABA Program in Immigration

MEDIA ADVISORY

“BRAIN DRAIN” FOCUS OF FINAL DIALOGUE ON U.S. IMMIGRATION
ABA President Michael Greco to Open with Speech on New ABA Immigration Stance

WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb 17, 2006 — In a knowledge-based economy not defined by nationality or borders, how can the U.S. maintain its position as a business and innovation magnet? How are structural flaws of the immigration system and unintended consequences of post 9/11 security procedures reducing the flow of top-flight immigrants to the U.S.? What is behind the host of new immigration policies the American Bar Association recently adopted? 

As the Senate prepares to take up major immigration changes, the American Bar Association is convening the last in a four-part panel series on the immigration system and proposed reforms. The series, “Fortress America: The State and Future of U.S. Immigration Law and Policy,” is organized by the ABA Section of Individual Rights and Responsibilities. 

WHO: ABA President Michael S. Greco, an American immigrant, will open the panel discussion by outlining the ABA’s increasing concern about a broken immigration system and its comprehensive plan for change. 

The panel includes:
· Bill Wulf, president, National Academy of Engineering
· Debra Stewart, president, Council of Graduate Schools
· Daryl Buffenstein, past president, American Immigration Lawyers Association
· Roger Bowen, executive director, American Association of University Professors
· Ben Johnson, director, Immigration Policy Center
WHERE: National Press Club
529 14th Street NW
Washington, D.C.
WHEN: Feb. 23
8:30-9:30 a.m. Program
9:30-10:00 a.m. Question and answer session
A light breakfast will be served beginning at 8:00 a.m.
RSVP to 202/662-1030
NOTE: More information on previous panels, including streaming audio, is being posted to: http://www.abanet.org/irr/committees/immigrants/immigrationpanels.html

KJ