The League of Women Voters North Orange County is set to host a significant forum on immigration, civil rights, and community action on September 27th at 10:30 AM, taking place at the Coyote Hills Golf Course, located at 1440 E Bastanchury, Fullerton. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP via email: LUNCHWITHLEAGE@LWVNOC.ORG. It cost $28 for the lunch.

As immigration policies become a critical measure of democracy, the forum will delve into the implications of current federal practices, including mass raids and racial profiling. These actions, affecting both immigrants and U.S. citizens, raise questions about the erosion of constitutional protections and civil rights.

The discussion aims to draw from comprehensive policy analysis, national data, and firsthand legal observations within Orange County. Speakers will explore how these federal policies are reshaping civil liberties and what the local response indicates about broader societal stakes.

Among the featured speakers is Bethany Anderson, a DOJ-accredited immigration representative and Director of Camino Immigration Services. Anderson has dedicated her career to providing free legal counsel and connecting immigrant families with essential resources. Known as a staunch advocate for immigrant rights in North Orange County, she has led numerous community initiatives aimed at supporting and empowering immigrant populations.

Joining her will be Jody Agius Vallejo, a Professor of Sociology and American Studies & Ethnicity at USC. Vallejo, who serves as Director of Graduate Studies and Associate Director of the USC Equity Research Institute, will bring her expertise to the discussion. She is the author of “Barrios to Burbs: The Making of the Mexican American Middle Class” and is set to release another book, “Latino Elites: Why Giving Back Isn’t the Answer to Inequality.” Her research focuses on critical issues surrounding immigration, integration, and inequality.

This timely forum promises to engage the community in critical dialogue about the intersection of immigration, rights, and action in today’s socio-political climate.