PHOTO BY BERLEEN WOBETER America Zaragoza of Marshalltown, second from left, spoke during the Rally for Immigrants Rights organized by Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice last Wednesday at the Capitol in Des Moines.

DES MOINES – Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice (IMMJ) held their yearly event at the Iowa State Capitol rotunda Wednesday, Feb. 18. Each day during the legislative session the Capitol rotunda is reserved for a rotation of statewide organizations who showcase their work through displays, speakers, and rallies. Organizations raise awareness and invite interaction with Iowans and elected officials at these events. IMMJ organized a “Rally for Immigrant’s Rights.”

America Zaragoza from Marshalltown spoke at this year’s event. Her family owns and operates Zamora Fresh Market on Main St. Marshalltown. After the rally concluded Zaragoza eagerly answered some follow-up questions and seemed pleased to continue the conversation.

Zaragoza’s primary goal when participating in events like this is to “humanize” the people so readily referred to as “immigrants.”

“We are more than meatpacking workers and store clerks. We are entrepreneurs. We are united and here to stay. We are from all over but here we are a community, together,” she said.

The rotunda rally of around 100 people included immigrants, refugees and their allies. Coming together to share stories is key to building understanding, connections, and trust especially at this time when she feels ICE enforcement and false claims are having a “huge negative impact.” People are afraid to go to work and shop.

“Businesses are suffering,” she said.

When asked how she would respond to the frequent comment that migrants should just come to the U.S. the right way, Zaragoza explained there is no one easy right way.

“Requirements change and recent decisions have only made a difficult process harder,” she said.

Zaragoza dismissed fear of migrants and safety concerns for U.S. citizens as “just projections.”

“We are no different than anyone else. Migration is a human right,” she added. “We own businesses, pay taxes, help local economies and provide resources.”

She encourages community members to support local businesses to lessen the negative impacts they are experiencing at this moment. IMMJ passed around lists with three bills introduced during the current legislative session, SSB3169, HSB668, and, HSB663. Zaragoza opposes all three bills and feels they target immigrants unnecessarily.

Representative David Blom, representing District 52 which includes the Marshalltown community did not attend the rally but was observed passing by and took the time in front of the House chamber steps to answer questions about immigration. He first wanted to point out that his mother is an educator at Hoglan Elementary in the Marshalltown Community School System. A fact made relevant because of the fifty languages spoken by students. He explained that he appreciates bi-lingual students helping him during door knocking activities. They translate for him as he communicates with their parents.

One concern Representative Blom hears repeatedly from immigrant families is the desire to have a birthing center in Marshalltown. Blom stated that he followed through after hearing this desire and cleared the way for any interested organization to make this a reality, however, he did not indicate that the opening of such a facility was planned or imminent.

Adding to his thoughts on education, Blom said he supports fully funding education but would not be specific on what that level of funding was except to say he supports raising paraeducators’ wages to a $15 per hour living wage.

Blom responded to questions of safety in Marshalltown by saying it is a safe place to live, work, and raise a family. He appreciates the efforts of new Chief of Police, Christopher Jones as he works to build up staffing after what Blom described as a chronically understaffed department by the previous leadership. “Programs like ‘Coffee with a Cop’ will continue to create a safer and more trusting community,” he added.

When asked to give his thoughts on the list of bills opposed by IMMJ, Blom gave no immediate response. His focus has been on his committee assignments and giving attention to the families of the two National Guard members killed while on duty in Syria. He will wait until the conclusion of funnel week to see if these particular bills progress and need his attention.

Overall, Rep. Blom said he was grateful to grow up in Marshalltown. He appreciates collaboration and working to find answers, together. If you have questions or concerns he encourages his constituents to call him at 641-758-1334.