Mexican consul general visits Lodi, hosts question session with Latinos
Pastor Nelson Rabell invited Mexican Consul General Liliana Ferrer Silva to offer a presentation at St. Paul Lutheran Church on Sunday morning.
Ferrer, who grew up in Sacramento and attended UC Davis and UC San Diego, has spent her life between Mexico and the United states. She developed an interest in international relations and global diplomacy because of her father who also held the role of Mexican consul general in Sacramento.
The presentation was dedicated to answering questions from the Latino community, as well as informing the community as a whole of the services that the consul offers for its nationals.
“We really want to help and be an extension of (the consul), and offer those that need help a resource in this community,” Rabell said.
Rabell was brought in from Turnersville, N.J., as an associate pastor and Spanish language minister in March. In February the congregation at St. Paul had an option to move from the east side of Lodi to the west side, but they voted to stay at their location on Pleasant Avenue.
“Ninety-seven percent of us voted to stay here,” said Arta Mason, a member of the congregation.
Rabell’s presence as a pastor has increased the Latino following in the church congregation.
“Since pastor Rabell has been here we have seen about a 15 percent increase in our Mexican-Latino community within the congregation which has been wonderful,” said Christine Ferri, a member of the congregation.
Since coming to Lodi, Rabell’s aim has been to offer a voice for the local Latino community, and help to provide services and help as needed.
“We first noticed a real need in the community after the deportations,” Rabell said, adding that the church responded by having a representative with the California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation come and offer legal assistance and resources to those in need.
“I really try to be a conduit for the community to connect residents with the right people to provide them with resources and information, which is why we reached out to the consulate and arranged a visit,” Rabell said.
Ferrer offered attendees with information regarding the relations between the U.S. and Mexico, and the current state of affairs due to the political environment.
“While the tension might be high the Mexican consulate is more active than we have been in the past,” Ferrer said.
Ferrer took questions from the audience so as to address concerns. A parent in the audience asked about the status of DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) and the paperwork required for college admission, which the consulate does assist with. Ferrer said that the consulate offers workshops for students that can be found online at
consulmex.sre.gob.mx and on social media platforms at
@consulmexsacramento. The consulate will host an academic information session at their office in Sacramento on Feb. 2, 2019. They are currently working to get bussing for students to attend the event.
Cien Amigos, a scholarship organization, works with the Mexican consulate to gather scholarships and help students of Mexican and Latino descent apply for scholarships.
A pressing issue amongst certain attendees was the immigration crisis in and out of South America, and how they could be of assistance. “The dialogue around immigration has become so political. Why and how can we stop it?” asked Michael Hess.
Like Hess, many members in attendance were frustrated by the current policies and attitudes regarding immigration.
“I really try to be a conduit for the community to connect residents with the right people to provide them with resources and information, which is why we reached out to the consulate and arranged a visit.” PASTOR NELSON RABELL OF ST. PAUL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN LODI
Natalie Bowman, with the nonprofit organization Partners for International Cooperation, wanted to know how her organization could receive help by the consulate when elections come in November of 2020
“Is there a way that we can help get people get registered to vote, or keep them informed when the next election roles around,” Bowman asked.
Ferrer, who recently visited Paradise to help Mexican nationals registered with the consul get help and receive services in the aftermath of the Camp Fire, was heartbroken to find out that not a single national had attempted to receive aid.
“I met with a member from FEMA and he too had not helped a single national. And he was telling me they’re just there to help, but the threat and fear is so real for a lot of people, but they just don’t feel safe even in a time like this,” Ferrer said.
The consulate offers Mexican nationals legal aid and attorneys are already providing free advice daily. Ferrar has also partnered with many nonprofits, the UC Davis Immigration Law Clinic and other universities to offer resources.
“If you have a right to stay in this country, we will help you,” she said.
“We are neighbors, we have had relations for hundreds of years that is not going to change because of one administration,” Ferrer said.
Ferrer said that despite the tensions, she plans to help protect the millions of Mexicans living in her 24-county jurisdiction in California.