New York, June 27, 2014, SIMN has just published a new book, “International Migration, U.S. Immigration Law and Civil Society: From the Pre-Colonial Era to the 113th Congress,” which analyzes trendsin migration, migration policies and the role of civil society in the formulation of said policies, from the pre-colonial period to the present. The book is the tenth volume in a series of SIMN publications and reports on governance of migration in the Americas. In line with reports from Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Mexico (made in 2012), as well as Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay and Peru (made in 2013), this report aims to provide objective information to decision-makers on policies and programs within the field of migration.

This book provides a comprehensive analysis on migratory flows to the United States, and closely examines migration laws and policies throughout the country’s history. Furthermore, included in the book is the study of civil society’s increased participation in the design and implementation of new migration laws in the country. This study, prepared by expert researchers in this subject, objectively illustrates the history of migration in the U.S., as well as the challenges that have always been present in the definition and implementation of migration policies, such as the difficulties of reaching consensus on public policies addressing migrants’ needs. At the same time, further difficulties include achieving this in context with economic development and social progress.

“It is very satisfying for us, as an institution that advocates for the human dignity of migrants globally, to be able to offer such a detailed report, one that can continue raising awareness among decision makers for governments and civil “society about the necessary measures to protect the rights of millions of vulnerable migrants. This type of report brings to awarenesssocial and political actors through rigorous scientific methodology, which is necessary for practical and ethical decisions on migration.” Father Leonir Chiarello, Executive Director of SIMN