Immigration at a Crossroads: Latin Quarter Hosts Timely Conversation on Rights, Resources, and Resilience

Written By Ghislaine Leon

In a time when headlines shift rapidly and immigrant communities face mounting uncertainty, The Latin Quarter created space for truth, advocacy, and connection during our first immigration focused event, “Immigration at a Crossroads”- inside the historic Middle Collegiate Church in NYC—a sacred space known for its progressive roots and social justice legacy.

We brought together community members, legal experts, and cultural leaders for a night of truth-telling, resource-sharing, and communal nourishment. Because let’s be real: immigration isn’t just a policy issue—it’s personal. And for many of us, it's ancestral.

The Latin Quarter: Centering Our Stories

I kicked off the evening by sharing the vision behind The Latin Quarter—a media and community platform dedicated to amplifying the stories of the new American mainstream: us. Latinos make up 20% of the U.S. population, yet we’re still underrepresented in media, policy, and power structures. We’re here to shift that narrative by holding space, telling our stories, and organizing in real time.

Real Talk with Immigration Experts

Our panel featured two incredible women doing the work on the front lines:

  • Ana Gabriela Urizar, a corporate immigration lawyer who also gives back through pro bono work.

  • Elizabeth Sanchez, a powerhouse attorney focused on family-based immigration and removal defense.

Both shared how their journeys—as a Dominican and a Guatemalan immigrant—shaped their purpose in law. They’re not just practicing immigration law, they’re living it, and they’re committed to protecting our communities. They offered a grounded yet urgent understanding of the legal landscape today—where policies, both new and old, continue to shape the lives of immigrants in unseen and unjust ways.

Panelists discussed historic policies like the Bracero Program and the 1952 Immigration Act, linking them to today’s legal climate that targets asylum seekers, restricts student visas, and limits work opportunities for DACA recipients. The message was clear: to understand the present, we must confront the past—and fight for a future rooted in justice.

Know Your Rights Know Your Power

Let’s be clear: one of the strongest tools we have is knowledge. As immigrants and allies, we have to be fluent in the laws that shape our lives. Attendees were encouraged to download the "Know Your Rights 4 Immigrants" app which provides multilingual, trusted legal info, and a pro bono lawyers list right at your fingertips.

Attorneys Ana Gabriela and Elizabeth shared that immigrants have the right to remain silent, the right to refuse entry without a warrant, and the right to an attorney—even if one isn’t provided. And U.S. citizens? We have the right (and responsibility) to witness, record, and uplift those stories when ICE and other agencies show up trying to intimidate.

Practical Tips for Immigrants

We also broke down actionable steps, including:

  • Sign Form G-28 so an attorney can legally represent you.

  • Document your time in the U.S. (2+ years) to build a case file.

  • Secure dual citizenship for your children at your consulate, if possible.

  • Create an emergency plan and designate trusted contacts.

  • Consult an immigration attorney before registering for any new government program.

  • Attend court dates with legal representation—don’t go alone.

  • Tap into free or low-cost legal help via Catholic Charities or consular services..

Personal Testimony: Johnny’s Journey

The evening’s most heartfelt moment came from Johnny Herrera, a DACA recipient who moved to the U.S. at age nine. His story of linguistic and cultural adaptation, family sacrifice, and quiet resilience reminded everyone that behind every policy debate are human lives navigating identity, legality, and belonging. “I’m not just a survivor,” he said. “I’m an arrival.”

Civic Engagement Is Self-Defense

We talked about how immigration policies have shifted—some quietly, others loudly—and how the stakes have never been higher. From restrictions on asylum seekers to the proposed $1,000 fee for applying for asylum, we are witnessing cruelty masquerading as policy. But we are not powerless.

Here’s what we can do:

More Than Talk: Food, Family, and Future

The night closed with a joyful gathering featuring Latin American cuisine by Santa Verde, Los Tacos, and Ish Mayan Cuisine. These culinary sponsors represented more than food—they embodied the richness, entrepreneurship, and joy within our community.

By breaking bread together, we were reminded: resistance can taste like home, and hope can look like us.

Stay Connected

As always, The Latin Quarter is committed to creating platforms where culture meets consciousness. Stay connected with our trusted legal voices on Instagram & TikTok @AnnaGabrielaUrizaresq and @Esinmigracion for updates. To attend future Latin Quarter events, follow us on @thelqtr_ and sign up for updates through our newsletter here. Together, we’ll continue to stand in solidarity, lead with story, and build a new cultural legacy. 

Ghislaine Leon http://ghislaineleon.com/