How the U.S. Immigration System (Usually) Works

Dates: January 16 - February 20, 2026
Meets: F from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM
 Location: Osher Online
Cost:  $75.00

There are still openings remaining at this time.

Date Day Time
01/16/2026Friday9 AM to 10:30 AM
01/23/2026Friday9 AM to 10:30 AM
01/30/2026Friday9 AM to 10:30 AM
02/06/2026Friday9 AM to 10:30 AM
02/13/2026Friday9 AM to 10:30 AM
02/20/2026Friday9 AM to 10:30 AM

Please note: This course program requires membership in a 2025-2026 OLLI at MSU Membership

Description

This program will not be recorded.

Immigration has long been one of the most complex and contentious issues in U.S. history. We will explore how immigration policy has evolved and how the current system is designed to function. We will examine key historical shifts that inform today's debates and consider enduring questions: Who is allowed to live in the U.S.? How many people can the country support? What are our international obligations? Through a combination of historical context and contemporary analysis, we will engage in thoughtful and constructive conversations about the challenges and possibilities facing U.S. immigration policy today.

About the Osher Online Program

Osher Online programs are provided to OLLI at MSU from the Osher National Resource Center at Northwestern University. Experience shared online presentations with OLLI members from coast to coast! As part of the Osher Online program, OLLI at MSU members will enjoy national speakers and interact with fellow OLLI members nationwide.

Scholarship

Apply for a needs-based scholarship to take this offering.

Meet the Instructor

Fee:  $75.00

Osher Online

This is a real-time (live) online class that meets at the specified day(s)/time(s) listed.

Michele Waslin

Michele Waslin, Ph.D., is assistant director of the Immigration History Research Center at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. She develops research initiatives, educational resources and public programs focused on global migration, race and ethnicity. Waslin brings extensive experience in immigration policy and public scholarship, helping connect academic research with broader conversations on migration in the United States and beyond.
Date Day Time Location
01/16/2026Friday9 AM to 10:30 AM Osher Online
01/23/2026Friday9 AM to 10:30 AM Osher Online
01/30/2026Friday9 AM to 10:30 AM Osher Online
02/06/2026Friday9 AM to 10:30 AM Osher Online
02/13/2026Friday9 AM to 10:30 AM Osher Online
02/20/2026Friday9 AM to 10:30 AM Osher Online