Preface

In April 1983, several members of the Journal suggested choosing immigration reform as a Special Issue topic. The idea had immediate appeal: the passage of the Simpson-Mazzoli bill seemed imminent; the new Refugee Act was not performing, in the views of some people, in a neutral (nonideological) manner; and many new immigration problems emerged that would soon require congressional, judicial, and administrative attention. Professor Alexander Aleinikoff helped us hammer this notion into a Special Issue by suggesting topics, providing sources, and ultimately writing an Article for the issue. This project may not have come off without his assistance. This is the first of two introductory praises to Alex; this as a friend and teacher, the next as a scholar. He deserves them both.