English-language letter accompanying questionnaire

Dear Member:

The Center for European Studies at the City University of New York is concerned to develop in the United States a greater understanding of the European Community, and especially of the European Parliament. I write to seek your assistance in that endeavor.

In studying the European Parliament at this time, our goal is to build a base from which to trace its development over time. To that end, we are conducting a study of the current members' perspectives and policy preferences regarding one of the most challenging issues facing the Community, i.e., immigration.

As the central emergent leadership institution in the European Community, [what] the Parliament [thinks] seems crucial on this issue. Therefore, the perspectives and policy preferences of the members are essential not only for our understanding of the development of policy, but to our understanding of the development of the Parliament itself.

In pursuit of such understanding, we are asking the cooperation of each member of the European Parliament. Specifically, we ask that you take a few moments of what we know is precious time to share your views on immigration with us by completing the enclosed questionnaire. Your thoughtful and candid answers are essential for our study. They will, of course, be kept completely confidential.

As project director, I will be in Europe during the period 1 April 1992 and 1 June 1992. Should your time permit, I would very much appreciate the opportunity of discussing these issues with you.