A Manitowoc-based organization spoke about immigrants’ rights during the 2022 Lakeshore Diversity Summit. Their session was titled ‘Got Milk? Not Without Immigrants!’
The diversity summit focused on increasing inclusion in Wisconsin. It was held at Lakeshore Technical College yesterday.
Jennifer Estrada and John Bilka from Crusaders of Justicia spoke to Seehafer News about the breakout session that the Crusaders held.
The Crusaders of Justicia is a Manitowoc-based non-profit that provides services and advocacy to those in need of help in the area. Their services include a food pantry with deliveries that eliminate common red-tape obstacles. They also aim to offer advocacy for what they deem as underrepresented members of the community.
The ‘Got Milk? Not Without Immigrants!’ presentation aimed to discuss how immigration policy in Wisconsin impacts the dairy industry.
Fair access to transportation is a prominent issue, according to Bilka.
“We wouldn’t have dairy production like we do if we didn’t have immigrants working on these farms, but in Wisconsin, you can’t get a driver’s license if you’re an immigrant anymore. You used to be able to.” Adding, “We’re still meeting people that drive to work to get there, but they can’t drive there legally.”
He also addressed the 287(g) program that empowers local law enforcement to enforce federal immigration laws by reporting individuals to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
“Manitowoc County is one of three counties in Wisconsin that participates in that program: thankfully, not very actively at this point. At any point, that threat is there and anything could spur our law enforcement agencies to be a little more active with that program.”
Estrada added that she does not claim Wisconsin to be a “racist” state, but that more discussion should always be welcome regarding issues that increase equity and public safety, including ensuring immigrant drivers are licensed and insured.
More information can be found at CrusadersOfJusticia.org.
