Symposium: Refugees and Immigration – a New Era
Saturday, November 20th, 2021, 2:00pm
The United States has entered a new era relating to immigration and refugees – one that has been clouded by the politics of previous administrations, hampered by evolving policies, but founded on a humanitarian tradition of hope and opportunity for those seeking entry. Over the past year, the new administration has introduced policies and practices that attempt to address the growing need for a comprehensive approach to relieving the pressures at our country’s borders and articulating a clear and equitable process for those entering the country. But where are we now and where are we headed? The November 20th Symposium features local and regional experts to discuss the current state of immigration and what is happening in our communities. Recent immigrants and refugees who have navigated the process will share their first-hand stories.
Youtube Channel
If you would like to view a recording of the symposium, please visit our Youtube Channel or click the video above to play.
Symposium Presenters
ELSABEL RINCON
Founder/Executive Director
The Welcome Immigrant Network, Salem, MA
Recipient of the Peter J. Gomes Service Award presented
by Representative Seth Moulton
United States migration within a historical context: migration waves, groups, push and pull factors, reception and legislative response. Evolution of the Federal oversight of immigration and how it shapes public narrative. Perceptions of immigrants, their experience and process of acculturation. Myths, facts, and statistics of contemporary immigrants.
ALEXANDRA WEBER
Chief Institutional Advancement Officer
International Institute of New England, Boston, MA
Documented and undocumented immigrants and unaccompanied children.
Trafficking.
ANDY ALLEN
Director of Adult Education
Wellspring House’s program.
BLANCA MARTINEZ
Essex County Community Foundation, ECCO, Lynn
Member of the Board and Core Strategy Team
ECCO’s programming. First-hand experience settling in the United States
REV. RONA TYNDALL
Pastor, West Gloucester Trinitarian Congregational Church, UCC
Allies of Our Afghan Allies and efforts to assist Afghan families resettling on Cape Ann.
FRANCIS MPFURANZIZA
First-hand experience moving to the United States after fleeing violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
REV. ALICE ERICKSON
Gloucester resident
The experience of settling in Gloucester
MELISSA BUCHANAN
ESOL Coordinator, Wellspring Adult Learning Center
The experience of settling in Gloucester
The Schedule
| Time | Program | Presenter |
|---|---|---|
| 2:00 – 2:10 | Welcome and Introductions | Charles Nazarian Sandy Ronan |
| 2:10 – 2:25 | Presentation | Elsabel Rincon |
| 2:25 – 2:40 | Presentation | Alexandra Weber |
| 2:40 – 3:00 | Presentation | Andy Allen Francis Mpfuranziza |
| 3:00 – 3:10 | Break | |
| 3:10 – 3:25 | Presentation | Blanca Martinez |
| 3:25 – 3:35 | Presentation | Rona Tyndall |
| 3:35 – 3:50 | Immersive Exercise | Elsabel Rincon |
| 3:50 – 4:00 | Break | |
| 4:00 – 4:50 | Q&A Roundtable | lsabel Rincon Alexandra Weber Andy Allen Blanca Martinez Rev. Rona Tyndall Francis Mpfuranziza Rev. Alice Erickson Melissa Buchanan |
| 4:50 – 5:00 | Closing | Charles Nazarian Sandy Ronan |
