The Constitution and Immigration: A Community Forum

Description

Join us for a discussion on immigration, the Constitution and our rights in honor of America's 250th Anniversary. The event will include brief remarks from panelists and time for Q&A. Spanish interpretation will be available. This is a free community event. All are encouraged to attend. Light refreshments will be provided. RSVP is encouraged.

Panelsists:

Legal & Legislative Experts

• Luis P. Sanchez, JD, LLM | The Madison-Lincoln Initiative: Navigating the Jurisdictions. A breakdown of local, state, and federal laws; the distinct differences between the immigration court system and civil/criminal courts.
• Blance Figueroa | Community Liaison for US Rep. Salud Carbajal: Pathways to Citizenship. An overview of current residency options, state vs. federal law updates, and a preview of crucial 2026 immigration legislation.
• Jessica Scarffe | Professor of Political Science, Allan Hancock College: The Constitutional Lens. Exploring how the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, and the Constitution apply to immigration in the modern era.

Economic & Community Impact

• Michael Boyer | President & CEO, Santa Maria Valley Chamber: The Economic Engine. Insights into the vital role immigrants play in the Santa Maria economy as business owners, taxpayers, and the backbone of our local labor force.

Lived Experiences & Testimonials

• Alvaro Cortez | Entrepreneur & Former Field Worker: The Journey to Naturalization. A personal testimony regarding citizenship education and the transition from field work to entrepreneurship. (Presented in Spanish with English subtitles).
• DACA Community Member | Anonymous Testimony: Living Under DACA. A powerful, audio-only account of the DACA experience and how this status shapes daily life and future aspirations.

Event Schedule:

• 5:15pm: Doors Open
• 5:30pm - 6:10pm: Moderated Panel Discussion
• 6:10pm-6:25pm: Intermission/time to submit questions
• 6:25pm-7:00pm: Moderated Q&A
• 7:00pm-7:30pm: Refreshments, networking and resource tables

Please note: campus parking will be free for this event; no parking pass is needed.