Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions has ordered immigration judges to stop granting asylum to most victims of domestic abuse and gang violence, a move that would block tens of thousands of people, especially women, from seeking refuge in America. The attorney general’s decision forms a key part of a broader Trump administration effort to restrict immigration and discourage asylum seekers from coming to the U.S. The administration has also stripped various legal rights from detainees, and has been separating families detained by immigration agents.

Our May 31st Community Forum and Discussion is an opportunity to collectively learn about specific issues on this year’s ballot and to build clarity around key propositions impacting ours and surrounding communities so that we can make more informed voting choices. While presidential races are usually the most visible aspect of the U.S. election system, statewide and local ballot measures during midterm and general elections will have the most direct and immediate impact on our local communities. This will be our focus for the evening; however, we hope to build this conversation into the movement for social justice beyond the election cycle.