Our Lifeline: Immigration in West Virginia

October 02, 2025
12:00pm - 1:00pm

Our Lifeline: Immigration in West Virginia

In celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month (Sep 15 - Oct 15, 2025) and in partnership with YWCA Wheeling, Jackie Lozano will explore the role of immigration in West Virginia’s past, present, and future. From the coal miners of Italian, Polish, and Irish descent who helped build the state’s economy, to today’s immigrant workers in poultry plants, healthcare, and small businesses, immigrants have always been part of West Virginia’s story. At the same time, national debates on border security and immigration policy are shaping West Virginia’s politics, fueling both fear and resilience in local communities. By examining history, culture, economics, and current events, this presentation argues that immigration is not a threat to West Virginia but a lifeline for its future survival.

(Español) Nuestro salvavidas: la inmigración en Virginia Occidental

Esta presentación analiza el papel de la inmigración en el pasado, presente y futuro de Virginia Occidental. Desde los mineros de carbón de origen italiano, polaco e irlandés que ayudaron a construir la economía del estado, hasta los trabajadores inmigrantes de hoy en día en las plantas avícolas, el sector de salud y los pequeños negocios, los inmigrantes siempre han sido parte de la historia de Virginia Occidental. Al mismo tiempo, los debates nacionales sobre la seguridad fronteriza y la política migratoria están influyendo en la política estatal, generando tanto miedo como resiliencia en las comunidades locales. Al examinar la historia, la cultura, la economía y los eventos actuales, esta presentación sostiene que la inmigración no es una amenaza para Virginia Occidental, sino una fuente vital para su futuro.

Speaker BIO: Jackie Lozano is a DACA recipient and a passionate community organizer with the ACLU, where they lead advocacy efforts focused on immigrants’ rights. With lived experience at the heart of their work, Jackie mobilizes communities, builds grassroots power, and pushes for bold policy change to protect undocumented families. Their work centers justice, dignity, and a future where all immigrants are free to live without fear.