Sept. 25, 2013 — The University of Utah’s John R. Park Debate Society will host a public forum addressing the controversial topic of citizenship and immigration reform, Oct. 2, 7 p.m. in the College of Social Work auditorium. Titled “Life Divided: The National Debate over Immigration Reform,” the event will include guests who have been active participants in state-wide and national debates about the issue. The event is free and open to the public.

Co-sponsored by the university’s “My Utah Signature Experience” Project, the forum includes Tony Yapias of Proyecto Latino de Utah, Robert Wren of Utahns for Immigration Reform and Enforcement, Jean Hill of Salt Lake Catholic Diocese, and Arturo Morales-Llan of Legal Immigrants for Immigration Law Enforcement.

The debate will focus on Rep. Chris Stewart’s proposal for legal status for undocumented immigrants, which would allow them to live in the United States without imprisonment or deportation after appropriate penalties. However, the proposal would not allow these same individuals a special pathway to citizenship.

In addition, the debate society will conduct a demonstration debate on the topic titled, “Resolved: The United States Federal Government should Pass Rep. Chris Stewart’s Legal Status Proposal for Undocumented Immigrants Living in the US.”

About the John R. Park Debate Society

The John R. Park Debate Society at the University of Utah is an intercollegiate competitive debate team. Founded in 1869, the organization has hosted biannual forums for the past several years in an effort to educate the public and to facilitate civil dialogue about contentious political and social issues.

About the My Utah Signature Experience Project
Engaging people, programs and resources across campus, the University of Utah MUSE Project fosters the intellectual and creative potential of all students to promote individual growth and build a more flourishing society. By systematically enriching the educational culture of the University of Utah, the MUSE Project builds opportunities for students to have signature learning experiences: moments in their education that have a defining and empowering effect on their intellectual growth, their professional development, and their path in life.