The immigrant has been a prime focal point for xenophobic sentiment in Europe and the United States. The immigrant´s paradoxical position as an outsider in the community in which he lives is reflected in municipal policies that treat immigration sectorally, as a discrete issue handled on the margins of municipal policy by ´specialists´. Eruptions of xenophobic violence and public reactions to them, all too often drive public debate and shape public perceptions. The deeper reality of the relationship between the immigrant and the city, however, is one which is more banal and quotidian and holds the key to dreaming and building the city of the future.
Immigration is an integral part of 21st century urban life, which implicates every aspect of municipal policy-making: from health and education to economic development and urban planning - and will become even more so in the future. This Dialogue will examine integrated municipal approaches to immigration, how cities develop comprehensive strategies to integrate immigrant populations, and to use immigrant resources as motors for economic, cultural and social development. Is this the new frontier in combating xenophobia? Developing public policy for a community without internal borders?
Dario Nardella, the Deputy Mayor of the City of Florence, and Fatima Shama, New York City´s Immigration Commissioner, will discuss how their respective cities have approached the integration of immigrants and the combat against xenophobia and the potential contribution immigration can make to the future development of the city in Dialogue with the public and distinguished scholars, advocates and practitioners, including Muzaffar Chishti, Director of the Migration Policy Institute at NYU Law School; Nicola Solimano, Fondazione Michelucci; Izzedin Elzir, Imam of Florence; Tiziana Chiapelli, Coordinator, La Rete dei Centri di Alfabetizzazione.
Program
3:00 p.m. Introduction Ellyn Toscano, Executive Director, New York University Florence
3:15-4:15 Diversity and the Future of Cities Muzaffar Chishti, Director of the Migration Policy Institute, NYU Law School Dario Nardella, Deputy Mayor, City of Florence Fatima Shama, Immigration Commissioner, New York City
4:15 - 5:30 Community-Based Approaches Urban Planning: Nicola Solimano, Fondazione Michelucci Community Associations: Izzedin Elzir, Imam of Florence and President of the Union of Islamic Communities of Italy Education: Tiziana Chiappelli, University of Florence and Centro Giufà Culture: Badara Seck, Singer
5:30 - 6:30 Discussion and Comments Dario Nardella and Fatima Shama with all participants + Q & A with audience Moderator: Muzaffar Chishti, Director of the Migration Policy Institute, NYU Law School
6:30 - 7:00 Performance: Badara Seck, Singer with Chiekh E-Fall (Kora) and Sam (Percusion)
