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.

This module features teaching notes by CFR Senior Fellow Edward Alden, author of The Closing of the American Border: Terrorism, Immigration, and Security Since 9/11, along with other resources to supplement the text. In this book, Mr. Alden examines the complicated interplay between the United States' need for homeland security and economic openness in the wake of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Listen to Janet Napolitano, U.S. secretary of homeland security, address the threat of networked terrorist organizations and the Department of Homeland Security's strategy to prevent and respond.

Janet Napolitano, U.S. secretary of homeland security, delivers an address at CFR.

Watch Janet Napolitano, U.S. secretary of homeland security, address the threat of networked terrorist organizations and the Department of Homeland Security's strategy to prevent and respond to them.

Jeb Bush, Thomas F. McLarty III, and Edward Alden discuss the recent Independent Task Force on Immigration Policy and argue, "Getting immigration policy right is fundamental to [U.S.] national interests -- our economic vitality, our diplomacy and our national security."

The Task Force on U.S. Immigration Policy argues that the failure to reform immigration laws and procedures threatens to harm America's economy, jeopardize its diplomacy, and weaken its national security. It makes the case that maintaining America's political and economic leadership depends on attracting talented and hard-working immigrants, and on securing the country's borders in a smart, effective, and humane way. The report urges Congress and the administration to undertake a new comprehensive reform effort with three central components: the creation of a more efficient legal immigration system that responds to labor market needs and enhances U.S. competitiveness; a strong enforcement regime that secures U.S. borders and ends the hiring of unauthorized workers; and a program of earned legalization that will offer an opportunity for many illegal immigrants to earn the right to remain in the United States.

Jeb Bush says action by Congress on immigration reform faces more favorable conditions than previous attempts, but the complexity of the reforms needed remain a challenge.

Tamar Jacoby says the political landscape shifted enough that it is possible for the dynamics of immigration reform to change this time.

Listen to Edward Alden, CFR's Bernard L. Schwartz senior fellow, and Richard D. Land, president of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, discuss their work on the CFR-sponsored Independent Task Force on U.S. Immigration Policy, with a focus on human rights and public diplomacy, as part of CFR's Religion and Foreign Policy Conference Call series.

Learn more about CFR's Religion and Foreign Policy Initiative.

Joe Contreras, former Latin America bureau chief for Newsweek, says while Mexico and the United States step up engagement on battling drug traffickers, another priority--immigration reform--is unlikely to get top U.S. attention.

The Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act of 2009 (DREAM Act) was first introduced in the Senate in 2001 and reintroduced in 2009.

Migrants suffer as countries around the world adopt protectionist measures to respond to the global downturn. This could trigger economic and social instability in poorer countries, while adversely affecting rich economies in the long-term.

Former Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff says a combination of tough enforcement measures and a new system for regulating flows of Mexican labor are essential for reforming the U.S. immigration system.

While immigration reform usually refers to unskilled labor, skilled immigration requires different policy action. Bhagwati and Hanson bring together today's foremost immigration experts to examine the phenomenon.

Paul Danos, Matthew J. Slaughter, and Robert G. Hansen argue that the Employ American Workers Act will actually decrease the total amount of jobs available.

New research shows that highly skilled workers are returning home for brighter career prospects and a better quality of life.