WIPPS, BPC roundtable on federal immigration policy for Madison-area residents

The Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy and Service (WIPPS) and the Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) in Washington D.C., had planned roundtable discussions on federal immigration policy in Madison and Wausau in March and April. The BPC has been convening focus groups around the country to explore attitudes about immigration policy and to learn where there is space for common ground. The purpose is to hear from participants what they believe is working and what is not working in immigration policy, share perspectives about immigrants in the community, and understand what priorities should be addressed in policy decisions.

Like so many events, these roundtables had to be canceled due to COVID-19. However, in many ways, the pandemic has made this issue even more important. What roles are immigrant health care workers playing in the fight against the virus? How is social distancing being maintained in detention centers? How is information about prevention and care being communicated to non-English speaking communities? Because this remains such a relevant issue, these discussions have been rescheduled in a virtual format in June.

Please note that even though these meetings are not occurring in person, we would still like to maintain a separation between the Madison area and central Wisconsin area attendees. Please choose from the following options:

Central Wisconsin-area residents
June 2, 9:00 – 10:30 a.m.
June 2, 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.
June 3, 12:00 – 1:30 p.m.

Madison-area residents
June 3, 4:00 – 5:30 p.m.
June 4, 9:00 – 10:30 a.m.
June 4, 3:00 – 4:30 p.m.

To register for one of these events, please click here: https://forms.gle/AhicxpJfACgpW8Zk8. Each session will include no more than ten participants, so please register for your preferred slot early.

Special knowledge or expertise of immigration policy is NOT required for participation in these roundtables. Your comments and responses will be part of a report to be issued by BPC later this year. Nothing you say will not be attributed to you personally or to your organization. The report will be shared with policy makers, lawmakers, advocates, and researchers who are interested in working to productively address the immigration issue. We hope that you will join us, via Microsoft Teams, for an open and respectful discussion. A link to the platform will be provided to you once you are registered.

For more information, contact Roxann Bornemann at roxannbornemann@gmail.com or Julie Bunczak at 715-261-623