Immigration the hot topic in Cleveland's Tremont neighborhood

CLEVELAND - The hot button issue of immigration was the topic of discussion at Pilgrim United Church of Christ in Tremont on Thursday night.

The town hall meeting allowed residents to express opinions and engage in constructive dialogue on how immigration policies are impacting their lives.

Moderator and immigration attorney Richard Herman wanted people to know that "immigrant" is not a dirty word and that immigrants can contribute to this region's revival.

"Immigrants are valuable to communities, communities like Cleveland.  How can we reboot our economy in Cleveland, repopulate our inner-city, revitalize our neighborhoods and create a more prosperous environment for our citizens?  One of the answers is welcoming immigrants," said Herman.

Residents watched a comedy film entitled "A Day Without a Mexican" which raised the more serious issue of what to do about immigration in this country.