Rodriguez, MauricioPelch, Anna2017-06-302017-06-302017https://repository.tcu.edu/handle/116099117/19859The Brexit vote and the rise of populism across the globe, made most evident following the election of Donald Trump in the US, threatens the integration and stability the European Union (EU) knows today. Many European citizens are becoming frustrated with the EU's free movement immigration policy in light of heightened terrorism in their countries and the current refugee crisis. This paper explores the pros and cons of membership in the European Union to come to an unbiased conclusion on whether other member nations may choose to leave the Union, as the United Kingdom did. Understanding the formation of the EU and the current economic, legal, political, and cultural implications of membership will help students, investors, and business people understand the intricacies of the EU to better respond to future events surrounding its member nations. Though populism and frustrations are rising across Europe, this research concludes that the benefits of increased stability and political and economic integration outweigh the costs of open borders. However, European leaders must work together to address citizens' concerns and make concrete changes to its immigration policies in order to protect the unity of the EU and fend off another "Brexit" or populist election.populismBrexitEuropean Union