Research Library

The significant economic benefits of the U.S.-South Korea relationship, including billions in Korean investments in American industries, have created thousands of U.S. jobs. In a new Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) commentary, nonresident fellow Henry Haggard suggests that reducing tariffs, expanding visa opportunities, and fostering more joint ventures in sectors like steel and shipbuilding could further enhance prosperity and security for both nations.

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.

Tackling the U.S. epidemic of drug-related death, harm, and addiction requires immediate action from federal and local policymakers and agencies to increase access to lifesaving services. It also requires a genuine commitment to a society that offers Americans a real shot at a healthy and meaningful life, writes Katharine Neill Harris.

To provide better security and asylum resources at the U.S.-Mexico border, the new U.S. administration and Congress should create legal pathways for immigration, update and better fund the asylum system, and focus political messaging on the historic importance of providing refuge to those seeking safety, writes fellow Kelsey Norman.

San Diego and Tijuana, key entry points at the U.S.-Mexico border, face challenges in meeting the needs of migrants arriving in their cities due to insufficient shelter capacity, infrastructure, and funding. Ana Martín Gil’s new report examines the cities’ differing migrant reception systems and approaches to collaborative efforts among international, federal, and local groups, while also providing policy recommendations to advance the development of an orderly and humane asylum system.

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.

Regardless of partisan differences, there are a number of policy steps that the new administration can take to protect America’s global economic power and influence worldwide.

While voters tend to base their decisions heavily on candidates’ domestic policies, it is very prudent for voters and candidates to pay attention to international issues as well, especially given the high stakes of current global events for U.S. citizens, writes Richard J. Stoll.

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.

Science and technology policy usually takes a back seat to issues such as immigration, the economy, and health care during election season. What’s changed for 2024?