Immigration Ohio Conference at Malone
Earlier this semester, Malone University, alongside the National Immigration Forum, hosted the 2020 Immigration Ohio Conference.
“We wanted to host this conference because it aligns with one of our principles of seeking truth in all areas,” said Melody Scott, dean of students, during her conference welcome. “For us, this quest for truth involves engaging in civil dialogue, working for justice, and strengthening our communities. We believe we’re called to learn from, develop relationships with, and demonstrate concern for our neighbors. So, immigration impacts us all.”
Today, more than 40 million people who are living in the U.S. were born in another country.
“Our population is diverse and, within that spectrum of human variation, people have come for all different reasons; many have stories of suffering and if one member suffers, we all suffer together,” said Scott. “We want to be part of finding real solutions for an immigration system that works. This involves honoring traditions of the law while promoting a humane immigration system that’s beneficial for all.”
This event was a collaboration of more than ten different organizations: Waterwell, known for creating The Flores Exhibits (a series of videos in which people from different sectors of society read the testimonies of youth under the age of 18 who were held in immigration detention at the U.S. Mexico border), Asian Services in Action (A.S.I.A.), an organization that works with the refugee and immigrant population in northeast Ohio, the police departments at both the University of Dayton and in Cincinnati Ohio, as well as numerous churches, lawyers, health care workers, and entrepreneurs. All, in some way, contribute to the immigration conversation in northeast Ohio in their daily work.
Originally, this community dialogue was intended to be a seven-hour, all-day experience, but COVID-19 protocol and social distancing requirements caused it to shift to a three-hour virtual conference. Those who did not want to join individually with a Zoom link were invited to attend socially distanced watch parties at several universities across the state.
Even though the conference plans changed, Scott was optimistic about the effects of the conference.
“My hope is that participants walked away dispelling any fears they had about immigration and with a greater understanding of the value that immigrants bring to our country socially, economically, and culturally.”