Barnard Professor Robert Smith to Appear on ABC
Nightline June 7 Discussing Mexican Immigration
New York, N.Y., June 1, 2001-- Barnard Assistant
Professor of Sociology, Robert Smith will be featured
on ABC's Nightline Thursday, June 7, discussing
his research on Mexican immigration.
The Nightline show will investigate the growing
importance of Mexicans and Mexican Americans in
the United States in an effort to show both the
effect of this on Mexico and on the relationship
between Mexico and the U.S. According to Smith,
"In the U.S. things are different because of the
increased influence of Mexican Americans in public
life and the growing awareness of the importance
of the Mexican population."
For
the program, reporters followed Dr. Juan Hernandez,
the Advisor to the President for Mexicans Abroad,
for four days in Mexico and the U.S. Smith was
asked to comment on whether this type of outreach
by the Mexican state to its diaspora was new,
and what this means for the larger development
of Mexican politics, and Mexican American politics
in the U.S. "This program of outreach continued
a policy of at least ten years standing of deepening
relations," said Smith, "but it did so in new
ways with new levels of intensity and scope of
activities."
Smith's
primary focus is on Mexican immigration to the
United States, particularly in the Northeast.
He specializes in the analysis of issues on transnationalization,
immigrant incorporation and state-diaspora relations.
His most recent research lies in the area of second
generation adaptation, and is funded by the National
Science Foundation. Smith has published several
articles published on migration related issues
and is the co-founder of MEXED, a non-profit organization
that creates mentorship networks and seeks scholarships
for both Mexican and Mexican American students
in New York. Currently, he is revising a book
manuscript Los Ausentes Siempre Presentes:
The Politics of Membership, Gender and Generation
in the Making of a Transnational Community.
Contact:
Petra Tuomi, Public Affairs, 212-854-7907
Elisabeth Piro, Public Affairs, Intern, 212-854-2037
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