In an interview with The Olaf Messenger, Vice President for Community and Belonging Eduardo Pazos Palma offered further insight into the issue of immigration rights in light of President Trump’s recent executive orders.
“One of the most important things during these times is to make sure we have access to accurate and reliable information,” Pazos Palma said.
On this note, Pazos Palma emphasized the need for gathering news from reputable sources, including outlets that provide global perspectives with established news reputations and that are recognized for adhering to journalistic ethics and practices.
Pazos Palma also noted that the legal immigration process is a lengthy and complicated process.
“Not as much conversation has happened nationwide over the deportation process, which is a lengthy one,” he said. “It is one that requires a lot of back and forth between the person and, hopefully, their legal representatives in immigration courts.”
Pazos Palma made reference to the immigration talk given by Immigration Attorney Matthew Webster, which had included a slide showing numerous departments that are connected to the immigration process.
“It is not just as simple as saying ‘X’ number of people will be deported from this state or that state,” Pazos Palma said.
Along with the departments, Webster provided a slide representing presidential terms in relation to deportation.
“Every single president, on the left and on the right, has actively participated in immigration enforcement,” Pazos Palma said.
Pazos Palma recommended searching for the data representing deportation numbers by presidency to compare with the current immigration policy situations.
“We want to continue to bring experts to campus regarding topics that are important to our community,” he concluded. “So if folks have any other ideas, any other hopes of different kinds of experts, please don’t hesitate to reach out.”
Questions about campus resources can be directed to [email protected]. Further information pertaining to the “Know Your Rights” red cards, translated in 19 different languages, can be found through the Immigration Legal Resource Center.
