On November 19, 2007, the University of the District of Columbia’s Latino(a) Law Student Association and the American Constitution Society hosted a discussion of misconceptions about Latino immigrants in the United States. The goal of the University of the District Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law’s (UDC-DCSL) event was to present balanced and accurate statistics, and allow Latino immigrants to share their personal experiences. The panelists included Fernando Colon-Navarro, a graduate of Harvard University Law School and professor of law at Southern Texas University; Panravee Vongjaroenrat, the Director of Immigration and Refugee Ministries for United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR); and Dr. Jeffrey Passel, senior research associate at the Pew Hispanic Center. The panel also featured two Latino immigrants – a day laborer and a labor/community organizer from Northern Virginia. The panel was moderated by third-year UDC law student Yesenia Polanco, a daughter of Latino immigrants from El Salvador. Approximately 70 UDC law students and professors attended the panel, which featured delicious Salvadorian cuisine.

Ms. Panravee Vongjaroenrat shared stories of injustice among Latino immigrants based on her experience as an immigration lawyer. Meanwhile, Prof. Colon-Navarro reminded students that although media commentators do not face consequences for perpetuating negative stereotypes, attorneys are accountable when they perpetuate these views. The panelists discussed how the use of the words “illegals” and “aliens” perpetuates the myth that Latino immigrants are not human beings who should be afforded the same rights and liberties as others in the United States. Ms. Vongjaroenrat challenged students to treat these questions in immigration law as we treat other legal questions, and not to deny individual rights and liberties based on immigration status.

Prof. Colon-Navarro closed the program stating that it is important not to mix issues in immigration. The issues of border control, civil liberties for non-U.S. citizens, and paths to citizenship for resident aliens are distinct and each requires individual consideration. However, it is always important to remember that when a person crosses a border without documentation, he or she does not leave their human rights at the border.