Investing in land ports of entry is an important and necessary step to maintain the global competitiveness of North America. Kristin Kent-Spanos, Program Manager of the Bush Institute-SMU Economic Growth Initiative, states we need more effective planning and financing for land ports of entry and to operate them more effectively to sustain and grow our competitiveness over the long term.

Matthew Rooney, Managing Director of the Bush Institute-SMU Economic Growth Initiative, reflects on the role immigrants and temporary workers play in our communities. Inspired by his experiences on a recent summer vacation, he discusses how we can boost growth and job creation in a tight job market.

The Story of U.S. illustrates immigration’s lasting impact on the U.S. through the stories of the American-born children of immigrants. Anita McBride, former Chief of Staff to Mrs. Laura Bush in the White House and of Italian heritage; Ali Noorani, born of Pakistani immigrants and now President and CEO of the National Immigration Forum; and Gus Constantellis, a comedian whose parents immigrated from Greece, share their stories.