Date: Wednesday, May 5, 2021 Time: 12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m. ET
RSVP for this virtual event

The immigration policies of the last four years have elicited tremendous political controversy. When President Trump barred people from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States, separated migrant children from their families, and declared a national emergency to fund construction of his border wall, his administration’s actions provoked congressional opposition and public revulsion.

But the roots of presidential power over immigration law are deep and the controversy longstanding. Today, as the debate over reform rages on, understanding the source of the president's power has never been more urgent.

In their recent book, The President and Immigration Law, Professors Adam B. Cox of NYU School of Law and Cristina M. Rodríguez of Yale Law School show how we got to this present moment. Presidents have been given broad authority over immigration by Congress. But today, in a world where half of all noncitizens live in violation of the law and enforcement dominates immigration policymaking, the president’s power has never been greater. That authority to decide who America lets in — and who gets kicked out — poses serious challenges to the rule of law and highlights the need for radical, legislative reform.

Cox and Rodríguez will join Cecilia Muñoz, former director of the White House Domestic Policy Council under President Obama, for a conversation on the road ahead for immigration policy and reform. What are the most pressing challenges lawmakers must grapple with? How much power should the executive branch have over enforcement? And what chance does a reform package stand of passing the Congress?

This event is produced in partnership with New York University's John Brademas Center.

Speakers: Adam B. Cox, Robert A. Kindler Professor of Law, New York University Law School, Author, The President and Immigration Law; Cristina M. Rodríguez, Leighton Homer Surbeck Professor of Law, Yale Law School, Author, The President and Immigration Law; Moderator: Cecilia Muñoz, former Director, White House Domestic Policy Council under President Obama

Date: Thursday, May 6, 2021 Time: 4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. ET
RSVP for this virtual event

Join us for a multi-part program on the critical topic of fair and impartial courts. We begin with a brief primer on the role of the judicial branch created by the American College of Trial Lawyers and the National Association of Women Judges. The second half of the hour will bring into stark relief the many assaults on judicial independence and diversity today.

This event is produced in partnership with the Center for Brooklyn History.

Speakers: Brennan Center Democracy Program Managing Director Alicia Bannon; Brennan Center Democracy Program Fellow and Counsel Patrick Berry; Kathryn Personette, Deputy Director, Campaigns, Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center; Moderator: Eric Lesh, Executive Director, The LGBT Bar Association and Foundation of Greater New York (LeGaL)

Date: Wednesdays, April 28-May 26 Time: 5:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m ET
RSVP for this virtual event

This series of virtual forums will gather thought leaders from across the country to discuss the impact of white supremacy and state-backed racism on America today. Examining systemic racism in relation to voting rights, artificial intelligence and genetic data, journalism, antiracism, and cultural narrative, the events will focus on strategies and solidarity, with an understanding of history and eyes toward the future.

This event is produced in partnership with The WNET Group, parent to America’s flagship PBS station.

Speakers: Christine Chen, Executive Director, APIAVote; María Teresa Kumar, founding CEO, Voto Latino, Voto Latino Foundation; Afaf Nasher, Esq., Executive Director Council on American Islamic Relations-NY; Kimberly Peeler-Allen, Cofounder, Higher Heights for America; Allie Young, Director, Protect the Sacred; Moderator: Brian Tate, Community Partnerships Specialist, WNET