In a collaborative effort to foster community understanding and civic engagement, a coalition of local organizations will host a nonpartisan forum, The Constitution and Immigration: A Community Forum, 5:15-7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 9 in Patty Boyd Concert Hall at Allan Hancock College.
Held in honor of America’s 250th Anniversary, the free event is the result of a diverse community partnership including Allan Hancock College, League of Women Voters of Northern Santa Barbara County, Santa Barbara County Commission for Women, and Santa Maria Valley Chamber, with support from other community organizations.
“By bringing together legal experts, policy advocates and residents with lived experiences, the forum seeks to provide a balanced look at how constitutional law and immigration policy intersect with the region’s local economy and social fabric,” organizers said.
“Our vision is to see the Santa Maria Valley thrive as an inclusive and resilient community,” said Michael Boyer, president/CEO of the Santa Maria Valley Chamber.
“We are proud to stand alongside the League of Women Voters and our educational and civic leaders to provide a space for residents to gain a deeper understanding of the legal frameworks that shape our region,” he said. “When our community is informed and connected, our entire region is stronger.”
Program highlights:
● Legal & Legislative Framework: Luis P. Sanchez, JD, (The Madison-Lincoln Initiative), Blanca Figueroa (Office of U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal), and Jessica Scarffe (professor at Allan Hancock College) will discuss the jurisdictional roles of federal and state laws.
● Economic & Community Impact: Boyer will present data on the contributions of immigrants as business owners, taxpayers, and essential members of the local workforce.
● Lived Experiences: Testimonials from local entrepreneur Alvaro Cortez and a DACA community member will provide a human perspective on the immigration journey.
To ensure the conversation is accessible to all, Spanish and American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation will be provided. Free parking available on the Allan Hancock College campus.
For more information or to register, visit the Santa Maria Valley Chamber website, contact Virginia Souza with the League of Women Voters, 805-868-5201, or email vps805@gmail.com.