On Wednesday, Jan. 16, EvCC hosted an event called “End the Separation of Families Now” in Jackson Center. The college welcomed guest speaker Monserrat Padilla, a national leader of the “Dreamer” movement, to facilitate a community conversation and offer training for immigrants and allies in regards to rights and safety.

Padilla spoke on the issue of family separation and cited its presence in the U.S. for decades, noting its rise during the Obama administration and continuation through present day.

She noted that there is a large immigrant population in the Everett area and offered resources on how to build Rapid Response teams, which consist of friends and volunteers who work together to physically show support for and protect immigrant families’ rights.

Padilla stated that no one has to feel alone. She said that just having a volunteer to walk with someone facing immigration intimidation can mean a lot. “You being there helps a lot,” said Padilla to anyone considering volunteering.

Padilla works with the Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network(WAISN), a state-wide organization that came together in late 2016. It connects over 200 organizations across the state, from “grassroots groups all the way up to very heavily resourced non-profits.”

Padilla states the organization has $2.5 million in liquid legal defense, to help those in need of representation or legal support. She stressed that “We’re not asking anybody to do anything outside of legal parameters, but ensure that everybody has the resources to continue their immigration process legally outside of prison.”

The event was presented by EvCC’s Diversity and Equity Center and Student LIFE. The coordinator of the event was Diversity and Engagement Coordinator, Anna Orozco.

For more information, visit www.waimmigrantsolidaritynetwork.org/

or the WAISN Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/WAimmigrantsolidaritynetwork/