Immigration

Panelists to discuss ‘Immigration and the American Dream’

Jan. 15 at the Topeka/Shawnee County Public Library

Immigration evokes powerful images, from huddled masses yearning to breathe free, to “Dreamers,” to desperate caravans overwhelming the border.

But how does immigration play out in Topeka and Shawnee County? Who are the immigrants? How do they contribute to our community’s greater good? Could our city ever be considered safe and welcoming?

Join El Centro of Topeka., the Topeka Center for Peace and Justice, the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas, and the League of Women Voters Topeka Shawnee County for a discussion of the issue entitled, “Immigration and the American Dream,” scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday January 15 at the Topeka/Shawnee County Public Library’s Marvin Auditorium 101B.

This discussion is free and open to the public and will compare Topeka and Shawnee County practices to statewide and national efforts, including:

● Immigration as coded language

● Municipal ID cards

● Foster Care

● Migrant education

● Mental health issues

● Poverty

● Living conditions

● Safe and welcoming

● ICE involvement in the community

Panelists include:

● Alex Martinez, ACLU Kansas, Safe and Welcoming Organizer

● Steve Pantos, Retired Supervisory Immigration Services Officer

● Lalo Munoz, Executive Director, El Centro of Topeka

● Luis Estrada, Community Advocate & Recruitment Specialist for Migrant Education, SOMOS KS