Collection:LPB

Genre: Panel

Place Covered: Louisiana

Copyright Holder: Louisiana Educational Television Authority

Date Issued: 1991

Duration: 00:28:18

Subjects: Immigration | Discrimination | Employment

Contributors:

• Rubin, Mike Host
• Politz, Kathy Producer
• Puentes, Pedro Interviewee
• Mickal, Abe Interviewee
• Parker, John V. Interviewee
• Maldonado, Juan Panelist
• Cromley, Keith Panelist
• Bivens, Patricia Panelist

This program from 1991 features Mike Rubin hosting a panel discussion on the Immigration and Reform Act of 1986 (IRCA). The panelists are: Juan Maldonado, a senior trial attorney with the Office of the Special Counsel with the United States Department of Justice; Keith Cromley, a coordinator for employment discrimination, education, and outreach with the Associated Catholic Charities of New Orleans; and Patricia Bivens, district director for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Prior to the discussion, Rubin presents a background report on the history of immigration in Louisiana and the IRCA law, which punishes employers for hiring illegal immigrants and includes a strong anti-discrimination clause for legal immigrants. It includes interviews with: Pedro Puentes, an immigrant from Mexico who reached legal status due to IRCA; Dr. Abe Mickal, an immigrant from Lebanon; and United States District Judge John Parker. The panelists then discuss the provisions of IRCA, the effect of the law on job applicants and employers, the misconceptions about the law that have led some employers to implement discriminatory policies against all immigrants, and the need for more public education on the law.