Courage to Lead Award
This award recognizes one Democrat and one Republican who work across the aisle to advance bipartisan immigration solutions. This year’s honorees, Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Michael Bennet (D-CO), joined the Forum’s executive director, Ali Noorani, in conversation, discussing their support for immigration reform.
Plenary 1: Strengthening & Growing America’s Economy
This plenary examined the impact immigrants and refugees have had on the American economy. From Colorado to Idaho to Indiana, business leaders spoke on the importance of retaining talented graduates from U.S. universities, finding employees with the right skills, and ensuring businesses have enough workers.
Race & Economics Reporter, The Washington Post |
President, American Action Forum |
VP & CAO, Cummins Inc |
President, Colorado Business Roundtable |
President, Idaho Dairymen’s Association |
Plenary 2: Understanding & Interpreting the American Electorate
Nine days after the mid-terms, this plenary analyzed the role of culture in shaping the 2018 election cycle and explored how the election results will affect the immigration landscape. Speakers agreed that the current administration’s rhetoric — on the caravan and the wall — failed with many moderate and center-left voters.
National Political Corr., TIME |
Co-Founder, More in Common |
Reporter, Houston Chronicle |
CEO, Driscoll’s Inc |
Plenary 3: Protecting & Upholding American Ideals
The plenary unpacked the on-going debate as to whether immigrants and refugees threaten the American way of life and pose security risks or protect and enrich American culture. Speakers saw the need for border protection that is both strong and compassionate towards asylum seekers and immigrants.
Senior Editor, World Magazine |
President, CCCU |
Executive Director, LifeWay Research |
Fresno County, California |
Master of Ceremonies
Ambassador & General Superintendent Emerita, The Wesleyan Church |
About Leading the Way 2018
This exclusive, invitation-only gathering brings together faith, law enforcement and business leaders in Washington, DC to discuss the future of immigration.
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