Immigration Forum To Allay Deportation Fears, Provide Resources

Madison city leaders will address immigrant rights and deportation fears at an immigration forum Sunday. Madison Mayor Paul Soglin along with law enforcement officials will discuss President Donald Trump’s crackdown on undocumented citizens and point people to local resources.

Madison City Council Alderman Samba Baldeh organized this event that will pull together elected officials, religious leaders, immigration attorneys and civil rights advocates. Baldeh emigrated from West Africa 18 years ago. He fears what his future holds under the Trump administration, and said this community forum will help people who are living in uncertainty.

“People who are on visas, people who are on green cards are not sure whether or not they can still stay here. Myself included,” Baldeh said. “Being an American citizen, I don’t know what the law says as to whether or not they can revoke my citizenship.”

The three-hour event will cover immigrant rights, the course of action from elected officials on this issue, and firsthand accounts from immigrants on what they’re encountering in Madison. Baldeh said in his 17^th District, there is fear among schoolchildren and their parents alike.

“People have gone to school and they come back and tell their parents, ‘I was told that now that Donald Trump is president we have to go back to Africa,’” Baldeh said. “Everybody now is feeling that this is for real and we have to find a way to deal with this.”

The Madison Metropolitan School District compiled a webpage of resources for immigrant students and their families. Sunday’s event, called “United We Stand,” is set for 2 to 5 p.m. at Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center, 1 John Nolen Drive, Madison.