In a two-day forum at Sacramento State on Friday and Saturday, speakers from a variety of organizations gathered to discuss the future of immigration policy. Professors, activists, students and immigrants spoke on current topics including immigration law and policy and service providers for immigrants, and heard testimony from undocumented immigrants.

Rosalina Garcia, a single mother of two children, has lived in the United States for 10 years, but is not a documented immigrant. This means that she cannot get a Social Security Number or a driver?s license.

In addition, Garcia cannot visit her family in Mexico because she will not be allowed back in the United States. Garcia does not want to live in Mexico.”If we were rich in our country, we wouldn?t be here,” Garcia said with the help of a translator. “I?m not selfish; I?m thinking about my children.”

In an attempt to help immigrants, a panel discussed the various organizations that offer assistance to immigrants.

Paul Skrinie, from the Grant Adult Education Program, described some of the things his department does. “We test immigrants, put them in class, and do vocational training,” he said. Skrinie added that they also help place immigrants in jobs and offer child care, rental assistance and transportation.

State Senator Debra Ortiz (D-Sacramento) emphasized voter registration and education. “The one thing to end racism is education,” she said.

Ortiz also pointed out that undocumented immigrants who have lived in California for years must pay out-of-state tuition in order to attend college, while American-born students who have lived in the state for one year can pay in-state tuition.

Garcia also emphasized the importance of education, and spoke directly to the students: “You students have the opportunity to be here, but there are so many more out there who can?t go to school.”