Immigration to be Topic of UH CMAS 40th Anniversary Speaker Series Bringing Preeminent Scholars

The topic of immigration continues to grip the interest of debaters and scholars. As the University of Houston’s Center for Mexican American Studies celebrates its 40th anniversary, three scholars discuss immigration from the perspective of identity, women and law. 

It’s part of the CMAS 40th Anniversary Speaker Series, planned for  11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 10 at the UH Hilton Hotel, Plaza Room.  The event is free and open to the public. 

“Immigration from Mexico has dramatically declined, but there are still many issues that remain. This is why we are hosting these scholars who will make these issues clear to our audience,” said Tatcho Mindiola, professor and director of CMAS. “People who are concerned about immigration to the U.S. should find this panel presentation informative and the ensuing discussion lively.

Professor Michael Olivas (UH Law Center), a sought-after scholar on the topic of immigration, will discuss the 30th anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court ruling that allow undocumented children to enroll in public schools—Plyler vs. Doe.  In his presentation “No Undocumented Child Left Behind,” Olivas will examine how states have followed the ruling and the impact on current the immigration debate.

Sociology professor Nestor Rodriguez (University of Texas) will present his research on “Return to Aztlan: Mexican Americans  and the Immigration Debate.”  He’ll discuss the relation between Mexican immigrants and Mexican Americans, the intergroup harmony, tension and new cultural forms.

Professor Pierrette Hondagneu-Sotelo (University of Southern California) will discuss  how the historical migration of women has changed labor demands, the family structure and the immigration debate.  In her presentation titled “Gendered Migration from Mexico to the U.S. and Resultant Labor Patterns” she’ll focus on two groups: domestic workers and college-educated teachers. 

For a full list of participants in the CMAS 40th Anniversary Fall Speaker Series visit http://www.uh.edu/class/cmas/news/index.php

WHAT: UH Center for Mexican American Studies 40th Anniversary Fall Speaker Series

WHEN: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 10

WHERE: UH Hilton Hotel, Plaza Room


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