The Western New England University School of Law will host a regional forum on immigration policy on Friday, February 3, from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. in the Blake Law Center. The recent presidential election has focused significant attention on potential changes to the nation’s immigration laws and policies. While immigration issues have national implications, the ultimate impact can be very local. This symposium will discuss how communities in western Massachusetts may be affected.
The forum will feature representatives from local community organizations and law firms that work on immigration issues on a daily basis. The panelists will present their perspectives on current policies, and how anticipated changes in immigration policies may affect the services they provide to their immigrant constituents. The presenters will also explain how interested students and community members can become involved.
The forum will provide accurate information to reduce the misinformation that is raising fears and concerns, and it will further the cooperation and collaboration among local service providers, advocates, and affected communities.
Sudha N. Setty, Associate Dean for Faculty Development & Intellectual Life and Professor of Law will moderate. The forum is free and open to the public. The following is a schedule of panelists and topic if discussion:
Panel 1: The Legal Framework: 12:45 – 1:25
Attorney Marie Angelides, Angelides Law Firm,Longmeadow, MA
Attorneys Joseph P. Curran and Megan E. Kludt, Curran & Berger, LLP, Northampton, MA
Staff Attorney Hilary Thrasher, Community Legal Aid/Center, West Justice Center – Immigration Unit
Panel 2: Service Providers for Immigrants in the Community: 1:30 – 2:10
Staff Attorney Jessica Viscuso, Ascentria Care Alliance, Westfield, MA
Executive Director Kathryn Buckley-Brawner, Catholic Charities Agency, Springfield, MA
Executive Director Laurie Millman, Center for New Americans, Western MA
Attorneys Joseph Best and Scott Clark, Best & Associates LLP, Immigration Law Group, Pittsfield, MA
Program Director Deirdre Griffin, New Americans, Jewish Family Services of Western MA
Panel 3: Community Organizational Responses to Support Immigrants in the Community: 2:15 – 2:55
Organizer Diana Sierra, Pioneer Valley Worker Center
Attorney Bill Newman, Director, Western Massachusetts Legal Office, ACLU
Attorney Michael Fenton, Esq., Springfield City Council
Additional Q&A: 3:00 – 3:30
