Arizona organization to hold discussion on immigration crisis

PHOENIX — An Arizona-based grassroots organization will hold a discussion next week in order to discuss the current immigration crisis and continuing separation of families at the border.

The Uncage & Reunite Families Coalition is hosting the discussion on Tuesday at GateWay Community College in Phoenix.

“We want to debunk myths people are hearing about the migrants,” Esther Lumm with the group told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Tuesday.

“Like we are being invaded, that they are draining our resources, they are criminals coming to the U.S. to do drug dealing. That’s just not true.”

The meeting will feature nearly a dozen local and state leaders who will examine potential causes of the migrant influx, humanitarian crisis at the southern border and the communities responding to it.

.@UReunite announcing this morning details on an upcoming community hearing by groups providing aid to central American migrants that are being dropped off in Phoenix seeking asylum. The hearing will be held April 30th at 7pm at @gatewayaz. @KTAR923 pic.twitter.com/1RNpXgWm2h

— Ali Vetnar (@Ali_Vetnar) April 23, 2019

Roberto Reveles, a civil rights activist, will give insight on his perspective on the country’s Latin America policies.

Lori Robinson, who is a member of Tempe’s crisis response team, will speak about the impact trauma has on migrant childrens’ brains and nervous systems when they are separated from their families.

Mary Jo Miller, the executive director of Refugee Aid, will speak on behalf of the asylum-seeking families, recounting their times spent inside detention centers.

Other speakers include Arizona state senators and representatives and immigration attorneys.

The event will take place 7 p.m. inside the auditorium near 40th and Van Buren streets.

Follow @Ali_Vetnar