“Understanding and Acting on the Border Crisis: A panel discussion,” featuring several members of the University of New Mexico faculty, is set for Sunday, Aug. 24 from 5 – 6:30 p.m. at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, 5301 Ponderosa NE, one block east of San Mateo, two blocks north of Comanche.
Christine Sierra, director, UNM Southwest Hispanic Research Institute, and professor of political science, moderates the panel. Her areas of research include U.S. immigration policy and politics.
William Stanley, professor and chair, UNM Sociology Department, is an expert on Central America, focusing on civil wars, political violence, human rights and international peacekeeping.
Olsi Vrapi, part time faculty, UNM School of Law, and immigration attorney and managing partner, Noble & Vrapi, P.A., is an immigrant himself. He was born and raised in Albania, is a member of the Immigration Lawyers Association, and has direct knowledge of the Artesia Detention Center.
Rounding out the panel is New Mexico State Senator Jerry Ortiz y Pino, who recently returned from El Salvador. He will share firsthand information on the situation there. He is also a keen observer of state and national politics.
The event is free and open to the public.