Immigration Film Kicks Off League of Women Voters Study

by Nina Recio-Cuddy

(September 20, 2007) “The History of Immigration to the Lower East Side,” a 30-minute film produced by the History Channel for the Tenement Museum of the Lower East Side, will be one of the lead-off events for a Larchmont-Mamaroneck League of Women Voters (LWV) study on immigration. The film, to be screened on Thursday, September 27 at the New Rochelle Library, will be followed by a discussion with journalist Michelle Wucker, author of Lookout: Why America Keeps Getting Immigration Wrong When Our Prosperity Depends On Getting It Right.

The September events will jump start the local study, which is part of a nation-wide analysis of U.S. immigration policy sponsored by the League of Women Voters of the United States.

“The History of Immigration to the Lower East Side” Thursday, September 27 7:30 pm New Rochelle Library (Lawton St.) Discussion to follow. Admission is free.

The study is designed to explore the underlying values and principles regarding immigration and will consider historical, economic, legal and social issues related to immigration. It will conclude with a consensus vote by League members in February 2008. All participating Leagues throughout the country will answer the same consensus questions.  The responses will be tallied to form a "position" upon which the national League may advocate for reform.

Larchmont/Mamaroneck League President Christie McEvoy-Derrico noted, “The League’s decision to study immigration reflects a national awareness that the issue is significant and needs attention.” The national study was called for by a vote at the 2006 LWV national convention. The goal is to help communities understand the implications of immigration at the local, state and federal level.

“This is grassroots democracy at its best,” commented Alice Bloom who is leading the study for the Larchmont-Mamaroneck league and is also the host of a monthly "issues Breakfast" at Café Mozart in Mamaroneck. She invited all interested residents to "join us at the many events we are planning and lend your intellect and aptitude to our mission.”

The film and discussion are co-sponsored by the Larchmont-Mamaroneck and New Rochelle Leagues and are open to the public. Refreshments will be served before the screening.

Nina Reci- Cuddy is vice-president of the Larchmont-Mamaroneck LWV.

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