Immigration a hot topic at League of Women Voters’ forum

WEST CHESTER » At the recent League of Women Voters of Chester County’s (LWVCC) second forum on immigration, the large crowd learned about the explosive growth of forprofit immigration detention centers. The centers have become immigrant prisons, according to information provided in the two documentaries that were shown, “Immigrant Prisons,” and “Immigrants for Sale.” The documentaries point out that most immigrant detention centers are run by two large, private corporations. The films also show that conditions in the detention centers are similar to those in the worst U.S. prisons.

Timothy Phiri, an immigrant from South Africa, was the keynote speaker at the recent forum. Phiri, who has lived in the United Sates for over 20 years, told his amazing story about dropping out of college in 1975, and being imprisoned with, and then released along with Nelson Mandela. He led the bloodless coup which overthrew the corrupt South African government in 1988. Phiri was elected to parliament in 1994. Seeking asylum in the United States, he was classified as a terrorist, even though his life was in jeopardy in South Africa. In 1997 when it finally became evident that the new South African government was corrupt, he applied for immigration to the U.S., and finally gained citizenship in 2014.

In addition to the League, the forum was co-hosted by Cornerstone Christian Church and Justice Rain, Inc. Annie Pascarella of Cornerstone, gave a passionate plea for compassion for undocumented

immigrants, by telling about her experience with U.S. immigration in El Salvador, her native country.

The Immigration Position of the League of Women Voters of the U.S. is to promote the reunification of immediate families; meet the economic, business and employment needs of

the United States; be responsive to those facing political persecution or humanitarian crises; and provide for student visas. Ensure fair treatment under the law for all persons. In transition to a reformed system, support provisions for unauthorized immigrants already in the country to earn legal status.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Timothy Phiri, keynote speaker at the second Immigration Forum, tells the audience about his amazing experience immigrating to the United States.