Statewide Immigrant Rights Summits:  Update

Some of you have recently inquired about whether or not there is an “Immigration Task Force.”  Indeed there is a something like a “task force” but by another name and with a broader scope.  In my capacity as MPLP Immigration Law Attorney, I direct the Michigan Immigrant Rights Project (MIRP).  One of the goals of MIRP is to build a statewide coalition of immigrant advocates.  To that end, and with the support of the Arcus Foundation, MIRP organized two “Statewide Immigrant Rights Summits” in 2009.  Summit I was held on March 29, 2009.  Over one-hundred advocates from legal and social services providers, community-based organizations, and state and federal agencies, gathered to share ideas and information about issues facing Michigan’s immigrants.  Summit II was held on November 19, 2009, and once again, over one-hundred advocates gathered to further the goal of building an effective coalition and to strategize about the unique challenges and opportunities associated with welcoming immigrants in a difficult economic climate.  Many legal services staff participated in the Summits, but if you missed out and would like to hear from MIRP about future events, training opportunities, and the latest news affecting Michigan’s immigrants, please email me at susanree@lsscm.org.  MIRP is sponsored by the Michigan State Bar Foundation and the Arcus Foundation.