Research Library

The U.S. health care system is grappling with a severe labor shortage, worsened by the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and an aging population. A new report from the Center for the U.S and Mexico offers recommendations to address the sector’s needs, including expanding visa availability, reforming occupational licensing, specializing recruitment, and streamlining the immigration process.

America’s cities are increasingly diverse, but diversity without equity and inclusion is problematic. Policymakers can contribute to the economic growth and success of America’s cities by providing health equity, environmental justice, and equal access to resources for entrepreneurs and small business owners from historically excluded groups, writes Constance Elise Porter.

Turkey lies in a seismically active zone but lacks the rigorous regulation of construction safety standards needed to improve earthquake resistance. In a new Edward P. Djerejian Center for the Middle East brief, nonresident fellow A.Kadir Yildirim explains the relationship between the government and construction industry and what is needed to improve Turkey’s earthquake preparedness.

Despite being one of the largest and most dynamic sectors of the U.S. economy, the construction industry faces a severe labor shortage due to an aging workforce, lower birth rates, and reduced immigration. This new report from the Center for the U.S and Mexico offers recommendations to address the industry’s needs, including authorizing more migrant workers through limited-term visas and promoting construction skills and careers to young people.

The Middle East is in a new era of mass displacement, with millions uprooted after a year of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, with a new front in Lebanon. In a recent commentary featured in The Conversation, Kelsey Norman and coauthor Nichols R. Micinski examine the long-lasting effects of the region’s humanitarian crisis, highlighting the urgent need for a ceasefire to enable displaced communities to return home and rebuild.

As Mexico becomes a desirable site for nearshoring, damaging environmental and social impacts on the border region may be exacerbated under the economic growth. A new report by research scholar Ivonne Cruz dissects the relationship between nearshoring’s ecological and socioeconomic risks and offers trade policy recommendations to support sustainable economic development, mitigate potential hazards, and safeguard local communities.

With high entrepreneurship and startup rates, Latino immigrants are key contributors to U.S. economic development. In a new report for the Center for the U.S and Mexico, nonresident fellow Elizabeth Salamanca explains how their skills and expertise are integral to innovative startups that often evolve into binational businesses, operating in both the U.S. and Mexico.

Despite innovations in information and communication technologies, Mexico has experienced slow productivity and GDP growth over recent decades. For insights into why the country’s economic progress has been limited, read nonresident scholar James Gerber’s new research paper for the Center for the U.S. and Mexico.

Gabriel Collins discusses how global events and rising energy demands are impacting Western-led energy transition efforts, with developing Asia taking a lead. The evolution of the global economy, the energy system that fuels it, and policies shaping regional directions all have ramifications for countries that have been economic stalwarts.

Ted Loch-Temzelides discusses how Germany, once Europe’s economic leader, is now struggling with high energy prices and poor economic performance. This is bringing a new focus on controversial energy policies, including an emphasis on specific energy types, a reliance on Russian gas, and the closure of nuclear plants.