The Wall's Costly Legacy, Italy's Immigration Rift, and More

Innovations in higher education, Europe's migrant debate rages on, and misplaced U.S. infrastructure priorities.

January 15, 2019

President Trump shows a photo of a wall prototype during aroundtable discussion on border security.

Shutdown watch: How the US pays for Trump's border wall may leave a costly legacy

"If President Trump were to shift the energy he has put into the wall for a truly comprehensive infrastructure plan, the shutdown would likely be over and Americans could get back to work on the projects that really matter," writes Joseph Kane.

Italy and immigration: Europe's Achilles' heel

In recent weeks, a debate between Malta and Italy over whether to accept 49 migrants and refugees rescued off the coast of Libya left two rescue ships lingering at sea for 18 days. Giovanna De Maio explains how the episode revealed tensions within Italy's government as well as the continued rise of anti-immigration forces in Europe more broadly, despite an overall drop in immigration levels.

Top 6 trends in higher education

Emal Dusst and Rebecca Winthrop outline how the skyrocketing costs of a university degree and the reduced return on investment have spurred new innovations in higher education, such as online programs and new financing options.

The conclusions and recommendations of any Brookings publication are solely those of its author(s), and do not reflect the views of the Institution, its management, or its other scholars.

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