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Adult Forum: Plymouth READS
Crossing Over by Rubén Martinez

Jan. 8, 5:00–7:30 p.m., supper and book discussion, Jackman: Join us on Sunday evening for a warm and delicious Mexican supper catered by Salsa a la Salsa ($10/person) as we begin our book discussion of Crossing Over. Whether you’ve read part or the entire book, or just want to learn more about the experiences of Mexican migrants and immigrants living in our community, we hope you’ll join us for a stimulating evening. Bring your appetite and your thoughts and questions!

Jan. 22, 9 a.m.: Latino Migrant and Immigrant Minnesota Experience with Ernesto Velez
Have you always wanted to know more about the Latino migrant and immigrant community here in Minnesota? This is your opportunity. How is Minnesota similar to and different from the Latino person’s life in Mexico for family, housing, food, transportation, school and so forth? What is surprising? What is unfamiliar? Is medical care accessible? Are ESL classes available? What would Latinos like to change in Minnesota and why? What could Plymouth and other congregations do to be more welcoming to Latino migrants and immigrants?

Ernesto Velez currently serves as Interim Executive Director of Centro Campesino where he has more than five years of experience in community organizing and activism. He has led the Immigrant Empowerment Project initiatives and activities for the last four years and recently incorporated the Justice program work as well. His efforts have connected Centro Campesino with
national groups working for fair immigration reform and worker’s justice. He is currently a student at Minnesota State University, Mankato and he is about to complete his undergraduate degree in Political Science. His academic and organizing skills are essential for the growth and success of Centro Campesino projects. Ernesto is an immigrant from Mexico and is bilingual.

Jan. 29, 9 a.m.: Immigration Law and Policy: What Works? What’s Broken? Where Do We Go from Here? with John Keller

Today’s discussion will include an overview of the immigrant and refugee populations in Minnesota, common reasons people immigrate to Minnesota and the challenges they face depending on the path they take. A critical aspect of the legal work is mitigating the impact on families caught in the current immigration system along with recent federal and state policy trends. We will conclude by exploring avenues or ways in which you can get involved and make a difference.

John Keller has been the Executive Director of Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota (ILCM) since 2005. He began as a staff attorney in 1998, specializing in naturalization, deportation defense and family reunification. He has also served as an Adjunct Professor at University of Minnesota Immigration Clinic. He worked to help create the state’s Working Group on Ethnic Heritage and New Americans in 2007 and has forged coalitions for immigration reform and defense that include labor, business, faith, civic and other partners. He is a frequent speaker on all immigration law and policy issues. As a result of ILCM’s work after the immigration raid in Worthington, Minn., John Keller was named the Minnesota Lawyer Attorney of the Year in 2007, and ILCM received the Minnesota Council of Non-Profits 2007 Advocacy Award. In 2011, Mr. Keller was given the Minnesota
Hispanic Bar Association’s Access to Justice award. He is a graduate of Hamline School of Law.

Co-sponsored by Global Connections