Navigating the Migration Crisis: Insights for Foreign Journalists Covering the Situation in the US

This educational program hosted by the Association of Foreign Press Correspondents in the USA (AFPC-USA) provides valuable insights for foreign journalists covering the migration crisis in the United States. Here's a summary of the key points discussed:

1. Current Realities: Foreign journalists need to understand the present-day challenges and dynamics related to reporting on the migrant crisis at the US border. This includes understanding the legal framework, policy changes, enforcement actions, and the humanitarian aspects of the crisis.

2. Essential Data: Staying updated with the latest data is crucial for shaping accurate and informative stories on migration. This data can include statistics on border apprehensions, asylum applications, demographic trends among migrants, and government policies related to immigration.

3. Labor Market Trends: The program provides an overview of recent statistics from the Cato Institute regarding the role of immigrants in filling labor market niches across various regions in the US. Understanding labor market trends helps journalists contextualize the economic aspects of migration and its impact on local communities.

4. Electoral Year Challenges: Covering migration during an electoral year presents unique challenges and considerations for journalists. Political rhetoric, policy proposals from candidates, and the public discourse surrounding immigration can significantly influence the narrative. Journalists need to navigate these dynamics while maintaining objectivity and providing balanced coverage.

By equipping foreign journalists with comprehensive knowledge and resources, this educational program aims to enable them to provide insightful coverage of the migration crisis unfolding in the United States. The expertise provided by David Bier, Associate Director of Immigration Studies at the Cato Institute, offers valuable guidance for navigating the complexities of this important issue.

Lecturer in this program: David J. Bier is the associate director of immigration studies at the Cato Institute. He is an expert on legal immigration, border security, and interior enforcement. Bier’s work has appeared in the New York Times, the Washington Post, USA Today, and many other print and online publications. The U.S. Supreme Court and multiple federal appeals courts have cited his research and writing. Bier has testified before committees in the United States House and the United States Senate on several occasions.From 2013 to 2015, Bier drafted immigration legislation as a senior policy adviser for Congressman Raúl Labrador, then a member and later the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security.

Moderator: Patrícia Vasconcellos is the White House and State Department correspondent for the Brazilian TV network SBT, Sistema Brasileiro de Televisão, where she has reported on numerous international events. Former TV anchor and Latin America Correspondent, she is currently based in Washington DC covering American politics. An award-winning documentarian, Patrícia directed the short film Curfew in NYC which received prizes of best short documentary and best director from both the New York Film Awards and the New York International Film Awards. She is an active jury member of the New York Movie Awards and served as member of the Grand Jury of the New York Festivals TV & Film Awards in 2022, 2023 e 2024. She is a Chevening Alumni and holds a Masters degree in TV Journalism (Goldsmiths College, University of London). Patrícia is a member of the Club of the Association of Foreign Press Correspondents (AFPC-USA Club). In 2021 she won the Professional Excellence Prize Award from the AFPC-USA.