YPSILANTI, MI - Ypsilanti's Human Relations Commission is hosting an immigration forum with opportunities for residents to participate and ask questions of law enforcement, immigration and legislative officials.

The forum is scheduled from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 25 in the auditorium at Ypsilanti High School, 2095 Packard St. The event will include Spanish language interpretation, free child care and snacks.

The panel includes a representative of Ypsilanti City Council and the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners; Ypsilanti Police Chief Tony DeGiusti; Washtenaw County Sheriff Jerry Clayton; Eastern Michigan University police officers; the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center; the Washtenaw Interfaith Coalition for Immigrant Rights; and the Washtenaw ID Project.

At least half of the forum will be devoted to audience questions and comments related to the February approval of Ypsilanti's non-solicitation of immigration status ordinance.

A portion of Ordinance No. 1281 reads:

"A public servant, while acting within the scope of public service employment and/or authority shall not:

(1) solicit information concerning immigration status for the purpose of ascertaining a person's compliance with federal immigration law; or

(2) solicit information for the purpose of determining immigration status from a person who is seeking police services, or is a victim, or is a witness; or

(3) inquire into the immigration status of any person, or engage in activities for the purpose of ascertaining the immigration status of any person."

Exceptions to the anti-solicitation ordinance would be matters regarding employment, prosecution of crimes or situations involving cooperation with state and federal authorities.

Copies of ordinances are available in English and Spanish at the forum, along with information provided by WICIR, MIRC, and Washtenaw ID Project.

Organizers plan to record audio and video; audience members can opt out of being filmed.