Representatives of four groups that assist immigrants said the issue of immigration will be an important one in federal and state elections this November.

It was among topics of a Sept. 16 forum titled Knowing Our Neighbors: Immigration and Voting in Delaware, hosted online by the League of Women Voters of Sussex County’s Social Policy Committee.  

“I think immigration is on the ballot for our state and federal candidates,” said Keda Dorsica, community partnership manager at Rodel. “We must ask them, ‘Where do they stand in regard to immigration? And what do they see as a path forward?’”

Rodel was described as a Delaware-based nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming the state’s public education system to make it more excellent, equitable and effective for all students.

Dorsica was one of four panelists who encouraged voters to become familiar with immigration issues and to press candidates on their positions for getting immigrants and other people the resources they need.

“For our federal delegation, we have to ask the question: What is the pathway to citizenship?” Dorsica said. “What is the pathway to residency?”

“On a state level, we have to start asking our candidates where do they stand?” she added. “What do they support? Because if we don’t ask those questions, then when we go to the ballot, we don’t really know where they stand on the issue of immigration. I think it’s a big component, especially this election season.”

Helen Salita, who leads advocacy campaigns focused on immigrants' rights as a campaign manager at the American Civil Liberties Union of Delaware, urged voters to back candidates who support accountability and reform of immigration policies.

“We also need people who are dreamers, who are full of hope for what this country can be,” Salita said.

Delaware politicians should ensure that, to the extent it can, the state does not cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement unless agents have a valid court order, she said 

“A lot of the change comes at the federal level,” Salita said. “But that doesn’t mean that we are powerless here in Delaware. There are absolutely steps we can and should be taking now and after the election to make sure we are doing our absolute best to protect our neighbors.”

Bryant Garcia, executive director of the nonprofit La Esperanza in Georgetown, which helps immigrants navigate the process to become citizens, said federal policies have shifted against immigrants.

Pathways to citizenship have been blocked, and due process has been curtailed during President Donald Trump’s tenure, and voters should look to candidates who will support the rights of immigrants, Garcia said.

“If the candidates that we have can’t talk about it or are not recognizing what’s happening, then, I’m sorry, they’re part of the problem too,” he said.

Rony Baltazar-Lopez, the first director of the Delaware Office of New Americans, said voters can assess whether candidates support funding for programs that help immigrants. He cited funding for bilingual programs in public schools, college aid to immigrants and healthcare.

Voters can influence policy by considering immigration issues in choosing between candidates for state and federal offices, and by reaching out to the governor’s office, Baltazar-Lopez said.

Dorsica said people should ask candidates if they are connected to immigrant communities and have ideas of how to help them.

“Are the people that we are electing to represent us knowledgeable, aware, connected to the immigration issue or are they not?” Dorsica asked. “If they aren’t, it’s time they become knowledgeable, aware and connected.”

Several panelists said it is important for voters to consider immigration issues when choosing candidates.

“It can’t just be immigrants fighting for immigrants,” Dorsica said. “It has to be all folks fighting for immigrants and fighting for our community. Because they are our neighbors.”

“Vote for those that can’t vote for themselves,” Bryant said. “I’m doing this for my community. I’m doing this for people I care about.”