The Elizabeth Taber Library and the League of Women Voters of Rochester, Marion and Mattapoisett are hosting a discussion and informational talk on immigration on Wednesday, November 8 at 7 p.m.

The talk will take place at the Marion Music Hall, 164 Front Street.

Please join us for an immigration discussion forum with Helena DaSilva Hughes, Executive Director of the Immigrants’ Assistance Center and Corinn Williams, Executive Director of the Community Economic Development Center of Southeastern Massachusetts.Helena DaSilva Hughes immigrated with her family to the United States from Madeira Islands, Portugal when she was 10 years old. She is a graduate of New Bedford High School and holds a BS in Business Administration with a minor in Law from Newbury College.

DaSilva Hughes has developed and implemented numerous programs throughout her leadership based on the needs of the immigrant community. She is bilingual/bicultural in Portuguese and has a strong knowledge of the Spanish language. She has been a keynote speaker at several universities and at state, national and international level on the topics of Immigration and the impact of deportation. She has won many awards throughout her career for her dedication, commitment and passion on working with the immigrant community.  In 2015 she was awarded Order of Merit, Commander Level by the President of Portugal, Cavaca Silva.

Corinn Williams is the Co-Founder of the Community Economic Development Center of Southeastern Massachusetts (CEDC) and has been the center's Executive Director since 2002. Williams has successfully designed start-up and implementation of several programs to provide support to immigrant newcomers in New Bedford. She was a first responder during the Bianco Raid in 2007.

This is not a political program. The intention of the forum is for the community to develop a better understanding of the complex issue of immigration in the greater New Bedford area. Susan Grosart will moderate the program, and there will be a question-and-answer portion afterwards.

This program is free to the public and co-sponsored by the Elizabeth Taber Library and the League of Women Voters of Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester. For more information, contact the Taber Library at 508-748-1252.