Program Description

North Carolina's population is changing. According to the US Census, the state's population grew by 4.5% between April 1, 2000 and July 1, 2003. Many of these new North Carolinians are coming to the state from other countries. In an hour-long discussion, host Shannon Vickery joins a panel of guests in Focus On...Inclusion, examining the issue of immigration in North Carolina. Who is moving to the Tarheel state from other countries and why? How do these new residents adjust to life in North Carolina when they move here? And how are these new North Carolinians changing the state?

To answer these questions, UNC-TV partners with the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in Focus On...Inclusion . Taped at the University of North Carolina Greensboro, the program features a panel of experts, including members of the Center for New North Carolinians at UNC Greensboro.

In addition to looking at immigration in North Carolina as a whole, Focus On...Inclusion centers on Guilford County's experience as many new immigrants have moved to the Triad. In June 2004, the Center for New North Carolinians released a study of immigration trends in Guilford County. The study found Guilford County to have a diverse mix of immigrants from areas ranging from Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe, the Caribbean and Latin America. The study also found that these immigrants generate $868.7 million in sales revenue for the county.

In addition to discussing these issues, panelists will view segments of the documentary, Inclusion, produced for the Center for New North Carolinians and take questions from a live audience. Join Shannon and her guests to find out how immigration is shaping North Carolina.