This Independent Task Force report encourages the Obama administration and Congress to adopt a "pro-America" trade policy that brings to more Americans the benefits of global engagement.

This Task Force report offers a strategy for maintaining America's political and economic leadership by attracting skilled immigrants, a program of legalization for those living in the United States illegally, and steps for securing the country's borders in an effective and humane way.

Edward Alden goes behind the scenes to tell the story of the Bush administration's struggle to balance security and openness in the wake of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Globalization refers to the increasing ease with which goods, services, capital and people can move across the world, which has been accelerated by advances in technology and government policies to reduce barriers. In terms of reducing poverty in as many countries as possible, there is no question that globalizationcontinues to be beneficial, even after the 2008 financial crisis. Poverty continues to fall worldwide at a rapid rate, and countries most integrated into the world economy have seen the biggest reductions in poverty. But it is also true that even before the crisis, the gains from globalization were not spread evenly. Though millions have been lifted out of poverty and everyone benefits from cheaper consumer goods and the opening of new export markets, there are still winners and losers.

Read full answer

As renewed bipartisan efforts to reform U.S. immigration policy get under way, CFR's Edward Alden gives three reasons why the time for reform may finally be at hand.

Edward Alden discusses a new assessment from the Government Accountability Office, which concludes that crossing U.S. borders illegally has become far more difficult than the American public realizes.

Edward Alden argues that, though more by accident than design, the Obama administration is now in the position to successfully conclude the most ambitious series of trade deals since the early 1990s.

Edward Alden discusses the mixed views of U.S. voters on trade and the damaging effect criticism of Chinese trade practices on the campaign trail has on U.S. attempts to court Chinese investment.

Edward Alden says increased internal and external border enforcement as well as economic crisis has decreased the population of unauthorized immigrants in both Europe and the US. Policies should provide incentives to encourage legal migration rather than just disincentives against illegal migration.

In his testimony before the U.S. House of Representatives, Edward Alden argues that the United States needs a broader package of legislation that includes expanding the Visa Waiver Program and encourages more efficient visa security screening.

As the Supreme Court prepares to take on Arizona's controversial immigration law and the Obama administration carries out nationwide sweeps, CFR's Edward Alden says that comprehensive reform remains less attainable than narrower, more targeted legislation.

Edward Alden highlights the skepticism over international trade that confronts advocates for greater American involvement in the global marketplace.

Edward Alden and Liam Schwartz explain how a safe and simple visa process can help the U.S. tourism industry.

Edward Alden and Liam Schwartz recommend a visa screening system that will benefit U.S. security and the economy by focusing scrutiny on high-risk travelers and speeding approval for low-risk ones.

Edward Alden says that as the United States has for the past two decades pursued securing the nation's borders against illegal immigration, the more serious threat to U.S. national security is that ill-conceived or poorly implemented border controls will do lasting damage to the U.S. economy.

Edward Alden says recent progress in the use of biometrics in border control is impressive, but the Department of Homeland Security and the State Department need to tell travelers what is in store.

Immigration reform remains a hot topic in the 2012 presidential race, but the winner will have to move beyond an enforcement-only approach in dealing with illegal immigrants, says CFR's Bernard L. Schwartz Senior Fellow Edward Alden, in a video issue brief.

As the pace of illegal immigration ebbs, Edward Alden writes that politicians should turn their focus to reforming policies for legal immigration.

Four experts weigh in on the role of free trade in driving U.S. economic growth and competitiveness amid high U.S. unemployment and a faltering global economic recovery.

The U.S. ratification of the stalled Free Trade Agreements with South Korea, Colombia, and Panama indicates that "there is a possibility, despite the very great partisan divisions in Congress, of bipartisan cooperation on economic issues," says CFR's Edward Alden. However, Alden emphasizes that "it is important not to overstate the potential job creation benefits" of the agreements.

This Independent Task Force report encourages the Obama administration and Congress to adopt a "pro-America" trade policy that brings to more Americans the benefits of global engagement.

Matthew Slaughter, Ted Alden, Andrew Card, and Tom Daschle recommend the U.S. adopt a comprehensive trade policy to revitalize the American economy.

Edward Alden says the Department of Homeland Security has developed a sensible and effective way to track visa overstays, but the question now is whether Congress will embrace it.