GOSHEN, Ind. (WNDU) – Immigration and deportation fears took center stage in Goshen Tuesday night.
The Goshen City Democratic Party organized a packed community forum at the Goshen Theater to discuss the Trump Administration’s crackdown on undocumented immigrants.
The room was filled with powerful and personal stories from some people facing the real threat of apprehension and deportation, and others from community members stepping up to offer support and protection.
It’s a growing movement in communities across the country.
We have returned with the story.
With a line outside the door and standing room only at the Goshen Theater, you would’ve thought the Broadway cast of Hamilton was in town.
While Lin Manuel Miranda didn’t show up, the story featured ideas dating back to the founding fathers a story of immigrants overcoming persecution in pursuit of the American dream.
“So as Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez taught us to believe, ‘Si se Puede.’ Yes we can,” said Jane Ross Richer an immigrant resource coordinator for the Center for Healing and Hope.
Over 600 people attended the Goshen democrat’s immigration forum Tuesday night to share concerns about immigration enforcement in Indiana.
“It’s not about immigrants. It’s not about white or black. It’s about humanity. What happened to New York, Minnesota, that can happen here in Goshen, Indiana,” said Jean Renel Momperousse an immigrant from Haiti.
The night featured immigrant stories from Hispanic Goshen College students and highlighted legal, healthcare and advocacy resources for immigrants.
“I really hope that people open their minds and that this helps spread the word and says to the cities around us that Goshen cares about migrants,” said Citali Hernandez a founder for Voces Fuertes.
As immigration enforcement ramps up in Indiana, some Hispano-American citizens express fear for their safety but remain hopeful for meaningful immigration reform.
“Despite my longevity and legal status, I have been evaluating my own and my family’s safety in this country. There are plenty of documented examples that almost anyone can be a target, regardless of your age, race, status, or ability to speak. I have felt frustration, sadness and anger having to contemplate whether I should stay,” said Rafael Barahona a past chair with the Goshen Chamber of Commerce.
Felipe Merino an immigration and criminal defense attorney for Stanford University said he’s embarrassed to have to carry a United States passport on him.
“It doesn’t matter that I went to Stanford University, it doesn’t matter that I went to Notre Dame Law School, I have to carry my United States passport. I’m embarrassed to have to carry this with me. But I’m going to leave you with one item of hope, of powerful hope. What happened in Minnesota recently? When two people that looked like many of you were shot dead for the cause, for a righteous cause, we now have homeland security with no money. Stand up, stand tall, stay strong,” said Merino.
Many of the speakers encouraged residents to be like Jesus and break bread with immigrant neighbors.
If you’re interested in helping immigrants in Elkhart County acclimate to the area, you can join the Circles of Care program hosted by the Center for Healing and Hope.
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