Meredith Holds Panel Discussion on Immigration

Meredith College held “Getting to Know Your Neighbors,” a panel discussion on immigration, on January 31, 2018. The event was sponsored by Meredith’s Refugee and Immigrants Club and the Office of International Programs.

The panel featured professionals who work with the immigrant community in North Carolina. Each person shared how their organization supports immigrants and refugees, and then each addressed current policy and shared outline challenges their clients face.

Speakers included an immigration attorney, representatives of organizations that work on refugee resettlement and faith-based advocacy, the president of the North Carolina chapter of the U.S. National Committee for UN Women, and the co-founder of Muslim Women For.

Panelists said one of the biggest challenges faced by refugees and immigrants is managing fear and dealing with trauma. Others cautioned against giving in to the current climate of dehumanizing immigrants.

The panel discussion was moderated by Assistant Professor of Spanish Callie DeBellis. More than 150 people attended the event.