A symposium at the University YMCA in Champaign aims to equip people with tools to better support immigrants in the community. The Inaugural Symposium on Local Immigration Activism will feature discussions about sanctuary communities and the unique challenges undocumented students face in higher education.
As communities across the U.S. grapple with gun violence, data from the city of Champaign suggests part of the problem stems from kids using guns to solve personal conflicts, according to Tracy Parsons, the city's community relations manager.
The report says immigrants in Champaign County contributed more than $1.4 billion to the area's economy in 2016, and paid more than $57 million in state and local taxes.
The front wall of the University YMCA building, adjacent to the University of Illinois campus in Champaign was plastered with photographs Wednesday. The 3-foot-by-5-foot poster-size portraits were made in a mobile photo-booth, featuring people passing by who wanted to show their support for the DREAM Act, a bill in Congress to help young people who are in the country illegally. .
A national group is recognizing Champaign-Urbana for its work to support immigrants in the community.
