Immigration forum on toledo thursday

Ohio Commission on HIspnaic/Latino Affairs

On Thursday, September 13 the Northwest Ohio Immigration Forum will take place at the Believe Center (formerly the Aurora Gonzalez Center) located at the Anthony Wayne Trail and South Avenue in Toledo, Ohio from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The Forum will focus on the impact that the Morton Memo and President Obama’s Executive Order on deferred action are having on local families, the regional farming industry and the community. Local and regional law enforcement officials as well as local and state elected officials will be asked to participate in a live Q&A session to provide updates regarding the most current laws impacting immigration as well as addressing misinformation. Live testimonials from area residents and businesses will be shared.

Baldemar Velasquez who represents the area’s migrant workers indicated that; “In this time of national controversy, it is imperative that clear and honest facts be presented and bridge understanding with law enforcement agencies.   Serious crime solving requires a trusting and cooperative population which is undermined when errant profiling occurs.”

The forum is free and open to the public. A reception takes place from 5 to 6 p.m. with remarks and the Q&A session beginning promptly at 6 p.m.

Participating organizations include FLOC, the Latino Alliance of Northwest Ohio, ABLE, La Prensa, Campaign for Migrant Farmworker Justice, Jobs With Justice, the ACLU, The Central Labor Council of Lucas County, Ironworkers Local 55, Labor Council for Latin American Advancement and others.  The forum is free and open to the public.