All of us are immigrants unless we are Native Americans. Our ancestors came to this country from across the globe, from many dozens of countries and all of the continents. Many came under extremely trying circumstances, although very, very few under the circumstances endured by the millions brought here illegally for many generations from Africa. Immigrants have come during the 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th and 21st centuries, hoping for freedom and better lives for themselves and their families. The plight of immigrants from Mexico and Central American countries, who have come to this country in recent years escaping violence, poverty and war, is a very important current issue.
We are members of a religious denomination, Unitarian Universalism, that has advocated since its inception for civil rights and human rights, activism we can be proud of and be part of. The plight of Latino immigrants is an important UU issue. An entire General Assembly in 2011 was held in Phoenix, Arizona, close to the border with Mexico, to focus denominational attention on these issues.
Piedmont UU has been active in this area, with several members, Darla Davis and Anne Laukaitis, serving for some years on the Immigration Solidarity Council that meets monthly at the Friends Meeting House close to UNCC. Rev. Robin Tanner has engaged in rallies and vigils and been a speaker. Several dozen of our members have supported these activities at times.
The Piedmont UU Social Justice Council, in conjunction with the Immigration Solidarity Council, will hold a Latino Immigration Forum on Tuesday, March 24, 2015, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the sanctuary of our church. We offer this forum to raise the awareness of the issues and provide accurate, current information for our members and our guests.
Ben Snyder, an immigration lawyer, will provide an overview of the current status of President Obama’s recent administrative actions regarding Latino immigration. Hector Vaca, Director of ACTION NC, will talk about immigrant rights, the issue of in-state tuition in North Carolina for young students who accompanied their parents to their country as children and the municipal ID card for undocumented immigrants. A young Latino student, affected by the in-state tuition issue, will be present as well. There will be time for questions and the evening will conclude with member Mark Sanders leading us in a discussion of what Piedmont UU’s role might be in these important issues.
The Social Justice Council hopes many members will be interested to learn more about these issues, and the council has extended the invitation to other nearby churches and the community as well. There is no admission fee and refreshments will be served.
Latino Immigration Forum
Tuesday, March 24, 2015, 7 to 8:30p.m.
Piedmont Unitarian Universalist Church
9704 Mallard Creek Road
For more information contact Anne: laukaitis@windstream.net
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