Economic Impact of Immigration Policies Today

Immigration policy is shaped at a critical intersection of domestic priorities and international realities. Decisions made at the national and local level are shaping labor markets, economic growth, and the movement of people across borders in profound ways.

What to expect:

• Examine how current immigration policies are shaping regional and national economic outcomes
• Hear perspectives from experts in policy, business immigration law, and economic analysis
• Explore the connections between immigration, workforce needs, and economic growth
• Engage directly with speakers during an extended audience Q&A

Arrive at 6:00 PM for networking and complimentary hors d’oeuvres. The speaking program begins at 7:00 PM.

The Honorable Sara Innamorato was sworn in as the Allegheny County Executive on January 2, 2024. The Innamorato Administration’s guiding principle is to build a strong Allegheny County for All – one that serves the more than 1.2 million residents of Allegheny County – built on a foundation of dignity and respect. One signature initiative of the administration is “500 in 500” In June 2024, Innamorato announced ‘500 in 500,’ an ambitious plan to move people experiencing homelessness into stable housing. The program has been a success: by day 500, more than 600 people had been housed, and more than 500 housing units had been identified. Innamorato has also prioritized economic development initiatives by investing in business development, improvements to business districts and main streets. In 2025, she launched the County’s new comprehensive plan, Allegheny Forward. Prior to becoming County Executive, Innamorato served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in the 21st house district. Sara is a lifelong resident of Allegheny County and currently resides in Wilkinsburg. She is a graduate of North Hills High School and the University of Pittsburgh’s College of Business Administration.

Rich André is the Director of State and Local Initiatives at the American Immigration Council. In this role, he oversees the Council’s work with government, business, and nonprofit leaders in more than 100 local communities across 40 states to pursue more welcoming immigration policies and programs. Rich previously served as Senior Policy Advisor at the Council, where he managed the rapidly-growing Office of New Americans State Network, as well as Deputy Director of State and Local Initiatives at New American Economy. Before joining NAE, he directed the NYCitizenship program at the New York City Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs during the de Blasio administration, where he also launched Cities for Action, a national coalition of nearly 200 mayors advocating for sensible immigration reforms. Rich holds an M.A. in Public Policy from Princeton University and a B.A. in Political Science and Spanish from Amherst College. He is a proud Haitian-American and a native New Yorker.

Ana María Mieles is Counsel at Fragomen, where she advises domestic and multinational corporations on a wide range of immigration matters, including employment-based visas, compliance, and global mobility. Drawing from her own experience as an immigrant, she is committed to supporting both individuals and employers navigating complex immigration systems.

Gus Faucher is Senior Vice President and Chief Economist at The PNC Financial Services Group and serves as the company’s principal spokesperson on economic issues. With prior experience at Moody’s Analytics and the U.S. Treasury Department, he brings deep expertise in macroeconomic policy, labor markets, and regional economic trends.

This event is presented by the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh in partnership with Fragomen.

About the Civic Futures Series

Civic Futures is a yearlong series exploring how democratic societies endure in a time of global pressure and domestic division. Through global perspectives and local dialogue, the series brings together experts and community members to examine the forces shaping democracy and the role we all play in sustaining it.