Georgetown on the Hill: U.S. Immigration – Understanding the Present, Charting the Future

Posted in Events News  |  Tagged Events - Digital Economy, Georgetown on the Hill, News - Digital Economy

By Bella DeLeo (C’26)

On Tuesday, April 29, the Center for Business and Public Policy hosted a “Georgetown on the Hill” event titled U.S. Immigration: Understanding the Present, Charting the Future at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, D.C. The panel, moderated by Ferdinando Monte, associate professor of economics at Georgetown’s McDonough School of Business, brought together leading experts to examine the economic, legal, and policy structures of immigration and discuss prospects for reform.

Giovanni Peri, a leading researcher focused on immigration and labor markets, stressed the importance of examining long-term trends to understand current dynamics. Over the past 25 years, the U.S. immigrant population has grown significantly, with over 10 million college-educated immigrants joining key sectors such as healthcare, technology, and business. Peri noted that these workers have played a major role in driving job creation and GDP growth.

He pointed to a growing labor market imbalance, stating that, “The U.S. has had a problem filling the jobs it created in the last four years.” This shortage stems from demographic shifts, including the retirement of baby boomers and declining birth rates. Industries like construction, elder care, and hospitality are particularly affected. Immigration, Peri argued, is essential to sustaining long-term economic growth and filling these critical workforce gaps.

Ronil Hira, an associate professor at Howard University specializing in high-skill labor markets, highlighted the critical difference between guest worker programs and traditional immigration. He began by focusing on the shortcomings of guest worker programs, particularly the H-1B visa system. Hira explained that guest workers, particularly those on the H-1B visa, have limited rights, cannot easily change jobs, and remain tied to employer sponsorship.

“The H-1B program has nothing to do with merit or competence, so you’re not bringing in the best and the brightest,” Hira said – challenging the idea that it targets top global talent. He raised concerns that the program can legally displace U.S. workers due to its random lottery system and minimal safeguards. Hira called for reforms that better align with labor needs and ensure fair treatment for foreign workers.

Theresa Cardinal-Brown, director of immigration and cross-border policy at the Bipartisan Policy Center, noted that the last major legislative overhaul occurred in 1990, and that the current system is no longer equipped to meet modern challenges. 

“Our immigration system is more than 30 years old,” Cardinal-Brown said. “A lot has changed in our country, but our immigration system has not.” 

She stressed the need for bipartisan legislative reform, highlighting how the ongoing reliance on executive discretion, rather than congressional reform, has led to increased litigation and uncertainty. Without bipartisan legislative action, said Cardinal-Brown, the U.S. risks allowing outdated systems and political stalemates to dictate its future

During the Q&A portion of the event, audience members raised concerns about the moral and humanitarian aspects of immigration, including the treatment of asylum seekers and refugees. Peri cited research noting that refugees, though starting at a disadvantage, integrate over time and contribute meaningfully to the economy. Cardinal-Brown added that the asylum process has become increasingly backlogged and politically contentious, but reaffirmed the importance of maintaining a fair and functional humanitarian system.