Left to right, Dr. Don Throsen, Dr. Daniel Palm, and Dr. Jennifer Walsh discussing the progressive side of the immigration reform. Photo credit: Jessie Gomez
Tuesday’s nonpartisan forum on immigration analyzed the pros and cons of reform as well as conservative and progressive viewpoints on it. The forum is part of the annual forum put on by the Political Science honors association. The political science honors association Pi Sigma Alpha, Alpha Chi, APU Young Conservatives and APU Young Progressives co-hosted the annual event in LAPC, which focuses on a different topic each year.
The night featured a panel of six, which included Dr. Bryan Lamkin, Dr. Daniel Palm, Dr. Donald Thorsen and Dr. Jennifer Walsh, just named CLAS dean. Conservative activist Robin Hvidston and party member Ly Kou served as guest speakers on the panel.
Conservative organization“We the People Rising” was invited to attend. Hvidston is its executive director.
Each panel member was allotted 15 minutes to speak on respective areas encompassing immigration reform.
Dr. Don Thorsen, chairman of the Graduate Department of Theology and Ethics, spoke theologically as well as from a progressive perspective.
Dr. Jennifer Walsh speaking about the legal and political history of the immigration reform. Photo credit: Jessie Gomez
“The older I become, the more I think Christians ought to be involved in both private and public issues,” Thorsen said. “Just as the Bible in my Christian faith informs my private life and public decisions, I think the Bible says as much to me on how to be a good steward, compassionate and justice-loving.”
According to Pi Sigma Alpha President and senior political science major Julia Derkach, the goal of this forum was to promote colloquial discussion among APU students.
The night progressed with discussion on the historical overview of immigration policy in the U.S. as well as international comparatives of how immigration is being handled across the globe.
Walsh emphasized the importance of speaking about these issues as a political community. She also analyzed the legal and political perspectives of the immigration status in the U.S.
After each panelist had the opportunity to speak, students were invited to participate in the Q-and-A portion of the night. Questions ranged from the effects of a reform through a business and agricultural perspective as well as biblical interpretations about politics.
“I thought this would be more of a debate and that there would be more energy from the audience. Nonetheless, I came with an open mind,” said “We The People Rising” member Loree Masonis.
Despite controversy and wide-ranging ideas, students had the opportunity to engage in active conversation with fellow APU attendees as well as community members.
“Laws will change, but their compassionate and just implementation needs to take place,” Thorsen said.