Gonzalez to address SB 529 and immigration reform Jan. 23

January 8, 2007

Jerry Gonzalez, executive director of the Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials (GALEO), will speak at Georgia Southern University Tuesday, Jan. 23, on comprehensive immigration reform. His presentation kicks off a series of activities aimed at increasing awareness of Georgia Senate Bill 529, the Georgia Security and Immigration Compliance Act.

Gonzalez will present ‘Comprehensive Immigration Reform: What Does That Look Like, and Why?” at 12.30 p.m. in the Russell Union, Room 2047. At 5 p.m. he will screen a documentary film, ‘Fighting 529,” in the College of Information Technology Auditorium, Room 1004, and explore with the audience the issues surrounding the Georgia bill. Both presentations are free and are open to both students and the public.

The Georgia Immigration and Compliance Act (SB 529) was adopted by the Georgia Legislature on April 17, 2006, and goes into effect July 1 this year. The legislation was created to curb the flow of undocumented immigrants into the state.

GALEO is an Atlanta-based non-profit organization that focuses on leadership development and furthers civic engagement of the Latino community across the state. GALEO was established to increase the number of Latino/Hispanic elected officials and to proactively address the issues and needs of the Latino/Hispanic community.

A faculty committee, working with the University’s Center for Latino Outreach, is creating a service learning component for students’ course curricula aimed at increasing knowledge and awareness of SB 529. The group has planned a series of special events that will take place throughout this semester. More information about upcoming events is available at http://www.georgiasouthern.edu/~lamy/y529_calendar.htm, or contact Debra Sabia at (912) 681-5725.