When it comes to immigration, journalism professor Roberto Suro says you can’t simply look at who is coming to the United States and in what numbers.

“You also have to pay attention to what happens to them and their children after they get here,” says Suro, author of three books on immigration and director of the Pew Hispanic Center for six years prior to coming to USC in August 2007. “This has become known now as the integration agenda, and I was one of the early proponents of it.”

Suro always has been interested in immigration policy, but he got his first taste of studying it in 1975 when he authored a series about illegal immigration in his first newspaper job. “It’s a subject that has a lot of drama and narrative to it, plus some really complicated policy, social and economic issues,” he says.

Before turning to teaching, Suro’s journalistic career included senior positions at the New York Times and the Washington Post. He continues his research at USC while teaching students what it takes to be responsible, effective journalists.

“I’m not suggesting they set out with the intention to influence or direct policy outcomes,” says Suro, “but they have to be very cognizant and aware of what the impact of their work can be.”