“Under this administration, the only solution we have left is to come together.”
That was the message heard loud and clear at ‘Pol-ICE,’ an immigration forum held in recent weeks by various organizations in Decatur. Community members who attended the event learned about policies considered to be antiimmigrant in the state.
Activists and representatives from the immigrant community who were present at the the event discussed four key topics:
- the consequences of the 287(g) program, which allows certain state and local law enforcement agencies to engage in federal immigration enforcement activities;
- the unconstitutionality of Senate Bill 452, which would require local law enforcement and court officials in Georgia report to U.S. immigration enforcement if they learn a suspect is in the country illegally;
- the deplorable conditions of ICE detention centers;
- and what can be done to avoid the passing of more laws that negatively impact the immigrant community in Georgia.
“We are asking for your support. If we need to march, sign a public petition, have a press conference, then let’s do it. Get out of your comfort zone,” urged Adelina Nicholls, Director of the Georgia Latino Alliance for Human Rights.
The panel also included a presentation by Azadeh Shahshahani, lawyer and director of the pro-immigrant organization Project South.
“Any opportunity we have to file lawsuits and block unconstitutional laws is something we will deal with, but litigation isn’t the only way. There are many ways for members of the community to get involved so that laws like this are not passed in their town,” explained Shahshahani.
Glory Kilanko, founder of the organization Women Watch Afrika, also attended the forum and discussed the importance of the immigrant community both in Georgia and the United States.
At least 100 people – many of them local residents – attended the event and voiced their concerns and indignation regarding the passing of laws that could negatively affect the immigration community in Georgia.
Some attendees inquired about what they can do to help the community and if they could bring legal action against the government in order to stop the passing of bills which could adversely impact Hispanics and refugees.
The forum was led by Rose Scott, an award-winning journalist and host of the midday news program “Closer Look” heard on Atlanta’s NPR, station 90.1 FM – WABE.
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