The Role of Research in Informing Public Policy on International Migration in a Changing World

Lisa S. Roney, U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
Linda W. Gordon, U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

Although immigration has been central to the development of the United States, US immigration policy has been shaped more by perception than knowledge about the impacts of immigration law and immigrants themselves. The paper explores the policy and research roles of the reconfigured immigration agencies in DHS and the US government and discusses new approaches being used to maximize development of policy relevant information within the US government. It contrasts the US approach with the development and use of policy relevant research and information within the EU in light of the emergence of EU countries as immigrant-receiving nations. Comparisons are also made with information development for policymaking in Canada and Australia. The paper also discusses current efforts by international organizations to encourage policy-relevant research on immigration on a more global basis. Finally, the paper challenges researchers to consider the policy relevance of their work and suggests fertile areas for exploration.