Café Inquiry Grand Rapids – In Person! – The Immigration Dilemma

Immigration is all over the news these days as the number of migrants encountered at the southern border is increasing, and as politicians seek to use the issue for their benefit in an election year.  Unfortunately, our divided political climate has stymied efforts to reach a solution. Rabble-rousing politicos hurl hyperbolic claims of rampant crime, lawlessness, and loss of jobs. In the current political and media climate it is all but impossible to get a nuanced view of the issue. That’s where we come in (we hope)! At this week’s Café Inquiry we’ll examine the recent history of immigration in the U.S. We’ll also look at how we got to this point and how we might alleviate what many are referring to as a crisis. Along the way we’ll examine some of the questionable claims associated with the current situation. Pew research center provides this 2015 look at changes in immigration law over the years. PBS News Hour ran this segment about the current strain on the system. Finally, the Cato Institute provides this very detailed and somewhat lengthy history of immigration in the U.S. through 2020.  Join us IN PERSON to share your views!

Café Inquiry starts with a short introduction of the day’s topic, followed by casual discussion.

This event is free and open to the public. Donations appreciated, but not expected.

Attendees are able to future propose topics which would align with Michigan Humanist’s purpose: from atheism, agnosticism, humanism, secularism, and freethinking to broader subjects in science and humanities, such as religion, philosophy, social issues, politics, evolution, morality, ethics, and psychology.

Café Inquiry (Grand Rapids) meets each month on the second and fourth Sunday.

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Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.

Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Critiques on views and claims based on merit are allowed, but not attacks on individuals who hold other perspectives.

Any person engaging in disruptive behavior or harassment will be asked to leave, and may be banned from future events pending the severity of the action. Please speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.