Listening Cafe on Refugee Families and Zero Tolerance 9/23/18

Our group within Indivisible Women Nevada County hosts the Listening Cafe, that follows the format of Living Room Conversations.

Our intention: To be curious and open to all perspectives, with a focus on learning from each other, rather than trying to debate the topic.
Participants are asked if they can agree to these ground rules:
Be curious and open to learning.
Show respect and suspend judgment.
Find common ground and appreciate differences.
Be authentic and welcome that from others.
Be purposeful and to the point.
Own and guide the conversation.

Our topic: Refugee Families and Zero Tolerance

The enforcement of a zero-tolerance policy on laws applying to asylum seekers has led to the separation of children from their families, and outrage has erupted. Many of the policies and laws being enforced are supported by people who believe–perhaps falsely–the refugees are criminals, entering the U.S. illegally. People also believe the enforcement is heartless–adding more trauma to people who are at-risk, fleeing violent circumstances. This conversation will explore our own experiences and how this informs our belief about what to do with all the people who want to move to the United States.

Background Information:
Immigrant: An alien admitted to the United States as a lawful permanent resident. Permanent residents are commonly referred to as immigrants.

Refugee: Refugees are generally people outside of their country who are unable or unwilling to return home because they fear serious harm. You may seek a referral for refugee status only from outside of the United States.

Asylum Seeker: Asylum status is a form of protection available to people who: 1) Meet the definition of refugee 2) Are already in the United States 3) Are seeking admission at a port of entry.

These are the legal definitions provided by the U.S. government. While you don’t need to be an expert on this topic, you can explore more about this issue on AllSides – https://www.allsides.com/unbiased-balanced-news

Here are the topic questions:
What is your personal experience with refugees?
What has been your experience of traveling to a foreign country?
Asylum seekers are routinely detained until a decision is reached. What should be done with the children arriving with adults? Without adults?
If your neighborhood became violent and there was no hope of restoring peace, would you stay? Would you go?
How would you like to treat people who want to emigrate to the U.S., without risking our national
security?
Do you have any concerns that refugee immigration would stretch our national services too far? If so share, why. If not, share why not?

RSVP is helpful at https://www.facebook.com/events/466449440505302/
Donation welcomed to support Living Room Conversations, Valentina’s costs, and our printing supplies.

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LRC a low overhead, open-source, grassroots effort.
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