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Forum to discuss immigration issues
Two immigration activist organizations are joining forces this weekend
to educate Gulf Coast residents on a hot-button issue in American
politics and American homes.
The Sarasota/Manatee Farmworker Supporters and the Latino Community
Network of Manatee County plan to host the forum on the illegal
immigration dilemma, a controversial topic that Congress has debated in
recent years.
The issue has taken a back burner during this historic presidential
race; some say for its political divisiveness, others say because both
candidates support reforming immigration policies.
"Candidates should be talking about this," said Marvin Mills, member of
the farmworker supporters and an organizer. "There's no reason why they
can't get on to this. It has to do with human rights."
Speakers at the forum include John Dubrule, director of litigation at
Gulfcoast Legal Services, who will discuss marginalization of
immigrants, Mills said.
Also, high school teacher Stephen Murray will give a history of
immigration in the United States. Lisa Cochrane Murray, also from
Gulfcoast Legal, will speak on the separation of families and immigrants
who face long waits to immigrate here.
"The point isn't that they're illegal," Mills said. "It's what's
actually happening to them. You don't want to treat them like slaves."
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