Panel to discuss immigration

Group of experts continues to take on issues

Painesville City Council has taken steps toward understanding immigration issues that significantly impact the community.

“Multiculturalism and diversity are the backbone of Painesville’s economy and serve to strengthen the community,” according to the news release. “Important immigration issues, which deserve open and constructive debate, have become emotionally charged and highly politicized. Together, let’s get beyond the headlines.”

The discussion about immigration will continue on March 1 at Morley Library. The event will feature an expert panel discussion with panelists including Heather Prendergast, immigration attorney for Aljijakli &

Kosseff, LLC; Painesville Police Department Lt. Toby Burgett; Farhad Sethna, adjunct law professor at University of Akron; Gloria S. Vaquera, associate professor of sociology at John Carroll University; and a representative from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, pending approval.

Ellen Chamberlin, of the Lake County League of Women Voters, will serve as mediator for the panel discussion. It will begin at 6:30 p.m. in Meeting Room A.

The public is invited to be a part of this dialogue. Written questions for the panel may be submitted prior to and during this education session. Those interested are encouraged to email questions in advance to mhaller@painesville.com.

A translator and translation equipment will be available thanks to Painesville Schools.

Council kicked off the immigration education process with a presentation from Elizabeth M. Knowles, an immigration attorney and assistant clinical professor of law at the University of Akron School of Law.

Knowles presented “Hot Topics in Immigration Law:

“Just because someone is here and is not a citizen of the United States does not necessarily mean they are an immigrant. An immigrant is here to stay. A non-immigrant is someone who has temporary permission to be here, including tourists, business visitors, students, investors, athletes, entertainers and temporary workers.”

— Elizabeth M. Knowles, an immigration attorney

Regulations, Rights, Relief and Reform” at the most recent meeting.

She provided an overview of the history of immigration in the United States, explained how the system works today and defined several terms.

“Just because someone is here and is not a citizen of the United States does not necessarily mean they are an immigrant,” she said. “An immigrant is here to stay. A non-immigrant is someone who has temporary permission to be here, including tourists, business visitors, students, investors, athletes, entertainers and temporary workers.”

Additionally, she distinguished refugees and asylees.

Knowles said immigration law is complicated and has a long history.

And that requires the need for more education.

Immigration education was one of many recommendations made last year by the Painesville Immigration Task Force.

The task force was formed to gather community input on city immigration policies, and to further the immigration discussion and education in our community.

“Though we cannot resolve the national immigration debate in Painesville, Ohio, and opinions about immigration are as diverse as our community, we can resolve to address our concerns in Painesville by listening, talking and appreciating different points of view,” the release also states.