A Landmark Lecture on Immigration Policy at Cornell University
On April 7, 2025, the Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy had the honor of hosting Marielena Hincapié as part of its Nixon Lecture series. Hincapié, a notable public policy fellow and an influential figure in the arena of immigration advocacy, took center stage at Willard Straight Hall on Cornell’s picturesque Ithaca campus. Her lecture, titled “From Crisis to Renewal: Immigration, Inclusion, and the Next 250 Years,” captivated a diverse audience of over 100 attendees.
Personal Narrative Meets Policy Discourse
Hincapié’s lecture was not merely an academic exploration of immigration policy; it seamlessly wove her personal story as an immigrant from Colombia with a sweeping 250-year overview of U.S. immigration laws. By bridging the gap between personal experience and national policy, Hincapié brought a human face to the often abstract discussions around immigration. She analyzed the historic shifts in immigration policy and highlighted the current debates that shape the narrative today, reminding attendees that these issues are deeply rooted in the fabric of American society.
Engaging the Future of Public Policy
The event also included a vibrant Q&A session, where students from the Brooks School engaged Hincapié with insightful questions, demonstrating their grasp of immigration law and policy. This interaction fostered a dynamic dialogue about the complexities of the legal landscape and the implications of immigration on various communities across the nation.
Alexandra Dufresne, the Director of the Brooks State Policy Advocacy Clinic and Co-Director of the Migration and Human Rights Program at Cornell Law School, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “We are so lucky to have Marielena working with our students and sharing her expertise and wisdom on one of the most critical public policy issues of our time.” This sentiment encapsulates the broader impact Hincapié’s presence has on future policymakers and advocates.
A Leading Voice in Immigration Advocacy
Hincapié’s remarkable journey as a legal and political strategist underscores her role as a leading voice in the national immigration dialogue. Having served as the executive director of the National Immigration Law Center (NILC), she has been at the forefront of several transformative initiatives. She was instrumental in the creation and rollout of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which has provided relief to many young immigrants. In addition, she co-founded the Protecting Immigrant Families (PIF) coalition, which unifies efforts to support immigrant communities across the United States.
Her advocacy work is marked by her ability to articulate the need for policy reforms that embrace diversity, equity, and justice. With her bilingual and bicultural background, Hincapié approaches immigration issues with a unique perspective that resonates with many communities affected by these policies.
A Vision for Future Generations
Looking forward, Hincapié’s impact extends beyond her immediate work. She is currently writing a book titled Becoming America: A Personal History of a Nation’s Immigration Wars, set to be published by Flatiron Books in 2026. This project aims to provide readers with a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding immigration in the U.S. and to reflect on the cultural and social dynamics that will shape the future of immigration policy.
In her remarks, Hincapié emphasized the importance of engaging with tough conversations about immigration law and policy. She remarked, “As I said in my lecture, public policy and law are snapshots in time of a moment when policies and laws are created. But to move society forward, you have to create the social and cultural conditions for more inclusive laws and policies that function well for all stakeholders.” Her focus on the role of students in shaping these conversations highlights the pivotal role they will play in crafting the next chapter of the nation’s immigration narrative.
By sharing her insights, experiences, and vision, Marielena Hincapié not only educated those in attendance at the Brooks School but also inspired them to be champions of inclusive change in public policy.
