Who Stays, Who Goes? The Immigration Debate America Can’t Ignore

Two experts. Two divergent perspectives. One of the most combustible issues in America today.

Millions of people are living in the US after having entered illegally. What should be done? Should the federal government actively pursue them? Should they have a path to stay? How do we balance enforcement with economic and humanitarian realities?

Onstage for this Dialogue Project event, CBS News’ John Dickerson steers a sharp, incisive conversation between two leading voices on immigration policy. Expect big ideas, tough questions, and a debate that cuts straight to the heart of America’s identity and future.

On one side: Muzaffar Chishti, Senior Fellow at the Migration Policy Institute, who argues that immigration isn’t just good for America — it’s essential. “We do need immigrants. With an aging society (baby boomers), we cannot be a world power without immigrants, from skilled to unskilled.”

On the other: Jessica Vaughan, Director of Policy Studies at the Center for Immigration Studies, who argues that uncontrolled immigration comes at a cost — and that enforcement is not just necessary, but critical.

The stakes? As high as they get. The administration is setting new policies, the country is more polarized than ever, and the question of who stays and who goes is defining the future. The Dialogue Project isn’t just about discussion — it’s about challenging assumptions … but doing so civilly. The first two events in this series have proven that perspectives can shift, minds can change. Will yours?

Don’t miss a conversation that goes straight to the heart of who we are as a nation.