New America Foundtion
Director of the Center for Social Cohesion at the New America Foundation and op-ed columnist for the Los Angeles Times; author of Mongrels, Bastards, Orphans, and Vagabonds: Mexican Immigration and the Future of Race in America
PROFILE
Gregory Rodriguez
Host
FROM Gregory Rodriguez
Which Way, L.A.?
Is the Immigration 'Crisis' Going Away? A new study by the Pew Hispanic Center shows that illegal immigration from Mexico has dropped to zero, reversing a trend that has shaped American law, culture and politics. We debate the possible causes and potential policy impacts. Meantime, as familiar disputes continue, should it change our thinking if a massive wave of immigration has come to an end?
To the Point
Is the Immigration 'Crisis' Going Away? The states, the US Supreme Court and presidential candidates are debating the consequences of illegal immigration — at a time when it's on the decline. Agricultural interests in Arizona, Georgia and Alabama are claiming a shortage of workers from Mexico. The Pew Hispanic Center has recently reported that, "The net migration flow from Mexico to the United States has stopped — and may have reversed." Hard liners claim that will change when the recession is over, and the dispute continues about the undocumented workers who are already here. But, large waves of immigrants have shaped American since the beginning. We debate the possible causes and potential policy impacts. Meantime, should it change our thinking if a massive wave of immigration has come to an end?
Which Way, L.A.?
America Looks in the Mirror with 2010 Census Data The official Census of the United States happens every ten years. Results from the 2010 Census are now coming in, and they reveal a great deal about America's population and how it's changing. Will the growth of so-called "minorities" produce a "white identity crisis" or will future generations construct a “post-racial" America? How will demographics affect politics?
To the Point
2010 Census: How Do We Look Now and in the Future? The official Census of the United States happens every ten years and, even though annual estimates keep demographers updated, it's a chance for the rest of us to check the mirror and see what we look like. Results from the 2010 Census indicate that the white population has grown in the US, but not as fast as Latinos and Asians. In less than 40 years, whites won't be the majority any more. The Latino growth is a function of birthrate, not immigration. Blacks are still about 12 percent, and they're moving back to the South and out to the suburbs. What will these revelations mean politically? How will they impact the makeup of Congress and President Obama's chances for re-election?
To the Point
Immigration and Integration Immigration will be back on the front burner next week on Capitol Hill, with President Bush urging what he calls "comprehensive reform." But even an unlikely consensus on new policies may not change the reality that millions of newcomers are already here and more are coming. How are they changing America and the way Americans look at each other? As immigrants flock to the central part of the country, what can be learned from Los Angles, the most diverse place in the United States? Is the future assimilation, as it’s been in the past, or Balkanization?
Recommended
To the Point
Who's to blame for the opioid crisis? Some of the lawyers who took on Big Tobacco are now going after Big Pharma. It’s all about the deadly epidemic of opioid use. Are the drug companies to blame? What about the users? Later, on today’s Talking Point: making sense of Britain’s upset election.
Left, Right & Center
How was the trip? President Trump's travels got less fun as he went from the Middle East to Europe.
Left, Right & Center
The week that wouldn't quit Will next week get even weirder? (Special one-hour episode)
To the Point
Human Rights in the era of Donald Trump President Trump’s UN Ambassador, Nikki Haley, said today the US might pull out of the United Nations’ Human Rights Council. Serious violators of human rights are members of the Council itself–and a US resignation could make things worse. Later on today’s show, now that he’s into his second term, comedian turned US Senator Al Franken is telling jokes again.