Immigration Key Topic at Greensboro Latino Festival

Last Edited: Friday, 18 Jul 2008, 5:28 PM EDT
Created: Friday, 18 Jul 2008, 4:44 PM EDT

By CARON MYERS
FOX8 News


GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) -- Saturday, Greensboro's Fantacity International Mall on West Market St. will be the site of a Latino Festival. The festival will feature dancing, housing seminars, and discussions on how to deal with gang activity. Priority for some attendees, may be the topic of immigration.

Marxavi Angel Martinez was arrested Tuesday by immigration and customs agents for falsely claiming to be a U.S. citizen, and for possessing an illegal social security card. The Alamance County librarian's situation stirred up a heated debate about illegal immigration, and is one of the reasons Centro de Accion Latino will hold immigration seminars at the festival.

"They don't understand the law and it is important right now with the issues we are facing that they know what to do," said Liz Trujillo, executive director for Centre de Accion Latino.

Greensboro immigration attorney, Jeremy Mckinney, will also be present to share his expertise with those in attendance. According to Mckinney, immigration law differs from criminal court.

"You have a right to counsel, but it's at your own expense...you also have a right to due process," Mckinney said.

The Latino Festival kicks-off at 10 a.m. Saturday morning and lasts until the evening.

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