Student groups to hold immigration forum
As Congress embroils itself in contentious debates over creating comprehensive immigration reform, students at USF will have the opportunity to voice their opinions on the topic.
Student Government and organizations from around the university will be hosting an immigration forum tonight at 6:30. The forum, “Students United: Our Country, Our Movement,” will take place in MSC 4200.
With the current changes taking place in immigration law and the ongoing debate in Congress, 14 student organizations have teamed up to host the event in the hopes students will interact with experts and engage in conversation on this topic.
Xizi Zhang, a freshman majoring in economics, said he is closely monitoring the current debate in Congress and plans on attending the event.
“There are so many changes taking place in immigration reform, and unfortunately, it is not as widely covered in the media as I would like it to be,” Zhang said. “I am personally interested in this forum because being an immigrant myself, I want to stay updated on this issue.”
The event will be conducted in a town hall-style fashion, moderated by Joan Pynes, a professor from the School of Public Affairs. It will offer students the opportunity to participate in the debate, as well as become informed by others invested in the debate.
The conversation will feature a variety of topics, including the current debate in Congress, the economic benefits of immigration and the role of faith-based organizations in helping immigrants adjust.
Some guest speakers that will be at the event include Isabel Sousa-Rodriguez from the Florida Immigrant Coalition, Christopher Cano from Mi Familia Vota, the Rev. Russell Meyer from the Florida Council of Churches and Merline Raymond from Fanm Kreyol, Inc.
“It is very important that students come out for this event as it offers an excellent insight on the much heated debate on immigration,” Adeel Hassan, an SG senator, said. “Students can acquire first-hand information from community leaders and experts about the ongoing dispute in Congress regarding this issue. I encourage everyone to come out and participate in one of largest educational events at USF.”
Food and drinks will be provided by Sweetbay, Tijuana Flats and Chipotle.
More Stories
USF admin’s response to suicides unclear. What we know so far.
USF’s administration will not say who or how it will prevent future suicides on campus a month after a student leapt from an upper floor balcony of the Interdisciplinary Science Building – the third suicide since fall 2022. The Oracle has asked repeatedly about which USF administrators are overseeing suicide prevention initiatives and how the […]
USF SG leaders look back on campaign accomplishments while on non-speaking terms
Student body president Cesar Esmeraldi and vice president Elizabeth Volmy reached nearly every campaign goal during their term. The one thing that didn’t persevere was their unity. The pair ended their tenure reflecting on it from separate rooms. “We’ve had a great year,” Esmeraldi said. “I’m very happy with everything we’ve built. But because of […]
USF’s ‘Take Back the Night’ allows sexual survivors to share pain, resilience: ‘Recovery isn’t easy.’
A sexual assault survivor, who was the first speaker at Wednesday evening’s “Take Back the Night,” said the hardest day of their life was not when they were assaulted – it was the day after. “When I had to call my mom and tell her how her [child lost their] virginity and tell my therapist […]
USF campus ministers offer perspective on stadium development: ‘Exciting benefit of exposure.’
Take a tranquil stroll down Sycamore Drive. It’s a quieter part of campus, hidden away from the usual hustle and bustle of USF. It’s home to an area colloquially known as “Religious Row,” a collection of on-campus religious organizations. In just a few years – with the construction of an on-campus football stadium – the […]
McKinley Drive closed down for death investigation, Tampa police say
The intersection between Fowler Avenue and McKinley Drive was closed due to a death investigation late Wednesday afternoon, according to the Tampa Police Department (TPD). A man shot himself after making a bomb threat in the parking lot of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), located at 11201 McKinley Drive, according to TPD. Police said […]
USF 2024-25 A&S budget to increase student organization funding in Tampa and St. Pete
The Student Government (SG) Senate approved the 2024-25 Student Activities & Services (A&S) budget for all three campuses this Tuesday, seeing an overall increase in allocated money to student organizations. The vote was 26-0, approving the budget. Related: 2023-24 A&S budget down $5 million from last fiscal year Students pay fees in their tuition – […]