Great Decisions Conference: International Migration and the Changing Face of America

This event is sold out. If you would like to be placed on a waiting list to attend the conference, please call 612.625.1662.

The greatest mobility of people in human history is happening across the globe. The number of international migrants has more than tripled from 78 million in 1960 to more than 232 million, and refugee populations are at an all-time high of 19.5 million. A “migration gap” between government policies to welcome migrants and public opinion favoring more restrictions is contributing to political unrest and growing anti-immigrant sentiment in many countries, including the U.S. Lost in this discussion may be the many ways immigrants contribute to the cultural, educational, economic, and civic vitality of our communities.

Featured Speaker

National Public Radio correspondent and author, Tom Gjelten, will take the podium at our 9th annual Great Decisions conference for an in-depth look at the forces causing people to leave their homes and seek new beginnings in new countries as well as obstacles posed to host communities absorbing the influx of people coming across their borders. Tom will discuss how immigrant stories and experiences from his new book, “A Nation of Nations: A Great American Immigration Story,” are playing out across the world and right here in Minnesota, such as friction between minorities, economic competition and entrepreneurship, and racial and cultural stereotyping.

Join us to hear from Tom Gjelten, former U.S. Foreign Service Officer Tom Hanson, and other local experts on this critical issue.

Conference Details and Agenda

Check out information on breakout sessions, featured speakers, and agenda details.

New Member Special*

Become a new Global Minnesota member at the $75 level and attend the Great Decisions conference for FREE! Even better? Know before you go! Join at the $150 level and receive one free conference admission AND a free 2016 Great Decisions briefing book, featuring a 12-page article on international migration. Register below for this special offer.

Attention High School Students and Teachers

Free registration for high school students is now FULL.  If you have questions or would like to be put on a waiting list, please email Ann Smith, K-12 Education Manager.

*New membership tax deductibility will be impacted by benefits received through this special.
Presented in partnership with the Foreign Policy Association.