News

What:
Portland State University, in collaboration with the Guatemalan Consulate, will host a free lecture and community forum regarding important immigration issues that affect Oregon’s Guatemalan community. The forum and lecture is an opportunity for PSU and the community to meet Guatemalan leaders and learn about the immigrant experience from their perspective. Featured speakers include Patricia de Calderon, Consul of Guatemala; Julio Cochoy, economist, Mayan political activist and author of Guatemalan Immigrants in California; and Alejandro Tecum, local activist and social service administrator. A question-and-answer period will follow the lecture. Free hot drinks and light refreshments will be served.

When:
February 12, 2007, 6–9 p.m.

Where:
PSU’s Native American Student and Community Center (710 SW Jackson), Portland

Cost:
Admission is free and open to the public.

Contact:
For more information contact Manya Wubbold, 503-725-9589 or manya@pdx.edu.

Background:
Topics for the event include economic conditions that are driving Guatemalan immigration, the important role immigrants play in the economy of Guatemala, how the distribution of Guatemala’s federal budget affects immigration, the conditions in Oregon for recent Guatemalan immigrants and the challenges they face, the work of the Consulate and the manner in which recent changes in Guatemalan immigration patterns are affecting the Consulate.

This lecture has been funded by grants from Portland State’s Internationalization Committee as well as the PSU President’s Council on Diversity. The event is part of a three-day visit by the Guatemalan Consulate. Portland State will also host the Mobile Guatemalan Consulate on the 10th and the 11th of February.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (#07-011)