Deeply United Immigration Conference: Immigration Beyond the Headlines
Date: November 21, 2024, 1pm-4:30pm
Location: The Pinnacle Center in Hudsonville, Michigan
Sponsorship Contact: betsy@lia-michigan.org
ABOUT THE CONFERENCE
America’s role in our interconnected world of borders and migrations is both crucial and inspiring, and we firmly believe that immigration strengthens our communities. In light of this, Lighthouse Immigrant Advocates is hosting the Deeply United Immigration Conference aimed at helping our community unravel the complexities of immigration.
Understanding immigration and justice work is essential. It directly impacts the fabric of our communities, shaping and influencing neighborhoods, labor forces, and our shared future. Knowledge of these topics dispels myths and promotes informed discourse, which is imperative for creating policies for immigrants and locals alike. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of immigration in West Michigan, empowering one another to support equitable approaches to business and community.
SCHEDULE
12:30 pm
Doors open, and Networking
1:00 - 2:00 pm
Invisible Wall: with Sarah Yore-VanOosterhout
U.S. immigration policy is marred by a history of exclusion. Too often, we focus on the things we can see--data reported on CNN, videos on social media, and a wall at the Southwest border. What we don't see is the invisible wall that stands between New Americans and lawful and stable status in the United States. LIA attorneys will help to make visible the invisible, walking through history policy and present-day immigration law with audience members.
This session is led by Sarah Yore-VanOosterhout, Founder of LIA, Managing Attorney, and Advocacy Director.
2:10 - 3:00 pm
Immigration Beyond the Headlines: with Sam Filcik
False rhetoric is often used by people in power to shape a narrative to serve their goals. For example, people in power in the United States often label events in the Middle East as a "refugee crisis," but when people experience the same type of strife and persecution in Central America and head toward the Southwest border for refuge, they call it an "invasion." The words we use and the narrative we shape is one of the strongest tools available to sway an entire nation's perception of an issue or population. LIA attorneys will examine the sociological concept of othering in the context of immigration law and policy to help our audience recognize the common tropes of false rhetoric and reshape the narrative around immigration.
This session is led by Sam Filcik, Esq., Asylum Attorney at LIA, who has assisted hundreds of immigrant families in achieving asylum since 2022.
3:10 - 4:00 pm
Immigration 101: with Bill Trenary and Maggie Haveman-Gould
Discover insights into U.S. immigration policy that you might not have known you needed! While attendees won't leave with the ability to file asylum applications or other immigration paperwork, they will gain a deep understanding of why individuals require asylum, family petitions, or work visas and the intricate processes involved in securing these benefits. Prepare for an engaging and intellectually stimulating presentation that will expand your knowledge and offer valuable perspectives on immigration.
Bill Trenary has served as LIA’s Staff Attorney since 2023 and leads on Adjustment of Status, Citizenship, and FOIA cases. Maggie has served as LIA’s Program Director through a series of dramatic expansions in LIA’s Legal Services capacity. Together, they have advocated on immigration issues with local government and local faith communities.
4:00 - 4:30 pm
Closing Remarks: with Rebekah Bakker, DISHER
As we conclude the conference, we will express gratitude to each of our sponsors for your commitment and invaluable contributions. We tackled complex issues, shared diverse perspectives, and forged new paths toward a more equitable and just immigration system. The insights and solutions discussed are actionable tools that can make a real difference in the lives of individuals and communities. Let us move forward with renewed determination, applying our knowledge to advocate for meaningful change and foster global cooperation.