Ali Noorani, There Goes the Neighborhood at Allterra Solar

Bookshop Santa Cruz and Allterra Solar welcome Ali Noorani to discuss his new book, There Goes the Neighborhood: How Communities Overcome Prejudice and Meet the Challenge of American Immigration. This free, off-site event will take place on Thursday, October 19th at 7 pm at Allterra Solar, at 207 McPherson St., Santa Cruz, CA. This event is part of our Fall Words to Act On Partnership Program for Immigration.Allterra Solar will be hosting this compelling approach to the immigration debate that takes the reader behind the blaring headlines and into communities grappling with the reality of new immigrants and the changing nature of American identity. Ali Noorani, the Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum, interviews nearly fifty local and national leaders from law enforcement, business, immigrant, and faith communities to illustrate the challenges and opportunities they face. Whether describing a pastor preaching of the need to welcome the stranger, a sheriff engaging the Muslim community, or a farmer's wind-whipped face moistened by tears as he tells the story of his farmworkers being deported, the author helps readers to realize that America's immigration debate isn't about policy; it is about the culture and values that make America what it is. Especially now, when we feel our identity, culture, and values changing shape, the collective message from all the diverse voices in this inspiring book is one of hope for the future.
Ali Noorani is the Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum, an advocacy organization promoting the value of immigrants and immigration. Prior to joining the Forum, Noorani was Executive Director of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition, and has served in leadership roles within public health and environmental organizations. In 2015, Noorani was named a lifetime member of the Council on Foreign Relations. He is also a sought-after commentator and a frequent guest on a range of television and radio shows across the country.