Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights offered a program Thursday in Blue Island aimed at helping people, including those concerned about their immigration status, understand their rights as a line of defense from mass deportations promised by President Donald Trump.
Coalition program manager Marilu Moreno shared information and resources for immigrants and refugees at the Moraine Valley Community College Education Center at no cost to the college or attendees, according to a news release.
“I think it would be good for anyone to understand — if you are approached, then here is what you do,” Aurora Zwick, manager of the English Language Learner Center at Moraine Valley, said in the news release. “It’s important for people to know their rights here in the U.S.”
She said such information sessions may help alleviate fears for community members who are traveling, or who may have questions.
“We want to bring more people to the Blue Island location to understand the college is a resource for them,” Zwick said.
However, the college warned of limited seating and Madisson Younglove, assistant director of communications, told the Daily Southtown members of the media were not welcome “due to the nature of the subject matter.”
Neither Younglove nor Moreno responded to follow-up questions. The presentation was also available to stream online.
The news release stated the college education center is in a diverse community where many might benefit from understanding how to navigate various scenarios, including how to interact with law enforcement officers and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
ostevens@chicagotribune.com
