Press Release: The Economics and Politics of Immigration – Upcoming Forums in Boston and Chicago

On August 14th, the Partnership for a New American Economy will host forums in Chicago and Boston on The Economics and Politics of Immigration. The Chicago forum will be a discussion between Partnership Co-Chair and New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and former White House Chief of Staff William M. Daley, moderated by Andrea Mitchell of MSNBC. The Boston forum will be a discussion between Mayor Bloomberg and News Corporation CEO and Partnership Co-Chair Rupert Murdoch, moderated by Gerald Seib of the Wall Street Journal. The forums will be wide-ranging discussions on the role of immigrants in the American economy, the need for sensible reforms that could create new American jobs, and the fractured political debate that has prevented immigration reform legislation from passing.

“In New York City and across America, immigrants are engines of our economy: starting new businesses, creating new jobs and helping companies grow,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “If we are serious about strengthening our economy and helping more Americans get back to work, we need both parties in Washington – and both presidential campaigns – to start making immigration reform a top national priority.”

“America is a great nation built on the hard work and ingenuity of immigrants, and our economic prosperity will depend upon our ability to unleash innovation and compete in the global marketplace,” said Rupert Murdoch. “Unfortunately, Washington has failed to enact immigration policies that acknowledge the role of immigrants in our economic successes, or consistently support the employment needs of America’s businesses. We have to get beyond politics and antiquated notions about immigration if we are serious about attracting and retaining the best talent in America.”

“I’ve been in business and I’ve been in politics, and no matter how you look at it, America’s immigration system is in dire need of reform,” said Bill Daley. “Our immigration policies handicap our economy, jeopardize American job creation, and arm our competitors with the world’s best workers.”

In addition, the Partnership for a New American Economy will release a new report “Open for Business,” on the increasingly important role of immigrants in starting new businesses of all sizes and in all sectors.

Chicago Event:

WHO: Mayor Bloomberg and former White House Chief of Staff William M. Daley in a conversation moderated by Andrea Mitchell, NBC News Chief Foreign Affairs Correspondent and host of “Andrea Mitchell Reports” on MSNBC.

CO-HOST: Economic Club of Chicago

WHERE: The Hilton Chicago, 720 South Michigan Avenue, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

WHEN: August 14, 2012 at 8:00 AM Central

Boston Event:

WHO: Mayor Bloomberg and News Corporation CEO and Partnership Co-Chair Rupert Murdoch, in a conversation moderated by Gerald Seib, Columnist, Assistant Managing Editor and Executive Washington Editor for The Wall Street Journal.

CO-HOST: New England Council

WHERE: Seaport Boston Hotel, 1 Seaport Lane, BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS

WHEN: August 14, 2012 at 6:00 PM Eastern

About New American Economy

The Partnership for a New American Economy brings together more than 450 Republican, Democratic, and Independent mayors and business leaders who support immigration reforms that will help create jobs for Americans today. The Partnership’s members include mayors of more than 35 million people nationwide and business leaders of companies that generate more than $1.5 trillion and employ more than 4 million people across all sectors of the economy, from Agriculture to Aerospace, Hospitality to High Tech, and Media to Manufacturing. Partnership members understand that immigration is essential to maintaining the productive, diverse, and flexible workforce that America needs to ensure prosperity over the coming generations.