photo by: Contributed

A flyer for a discussion called "Immigration: Facts and Misunderstandings about the Path to Citizenship" that will be held by the Lawrence/Douglas County Chapter of Women for Kansas on Saturday morning.

A Lawrence organization focused on educating voters is hosting a talk Saturday morning featuring a lawyer who will discuss the complicated process of immigration in the U.S.

The Lawrence/Douglas County chapter of Women for Kansas will host Anne Parelkar, an attorney who opened an immigration law practice in 2021 that serves clients in Kansas, Arkansas and Missouri, for a discussion called “Immigration: Facts and Misunderstandings about the Path to Citizenship.”

Kelly Wall, the chapter leader for the organization, told the Journal-World that the group holds discussions with experts who can make sure that potential voters in the community are more informed. She said that the topic of immigration has “heated up” since the group had scheduled this talk with Parelkar.

In recent months, the high profile deployment of federal agents, including the U.S. Border Patrol and ICE, to Minnesota, has brought nation-wide protests — including in Lawrence — in response, and two people who were a part of protests in Minneapolis were shot and killed by federal agents in January 2026.

Wall said many people often don’t understand there are many different legal statuses that immigrants can fall under according to immigration laws. She said many people are often unaware that the process to become a legal resident can also “be expensive and take a long time,” even as people lead regular lives, so having an immigration attorney come discuss the often uncertain process can help lead to more productive discussions about migration.

“We want to make sure all of us understand it better so we have a better way to discuss (this issue), Wall said.

Considering the spotlight that has been shown on deportation efforts by the federal government, as well as recent confrontations between citizens and law enforcement officials in the face of the focus on deportations, Wall said she feels allowing people to learn the complicated processes around immigration law in a “safe, calm environment” helps remove potential hostilities.

“I think it’s critical to have these public and civil conversations,” Wall said.

Along with the presentation from Parelkar, Wall said there will be a question and answer session. Wall also said the Lawrence advocacy group Sanctuary Alliance will also be there to provide resources, and the Women for Kansas organization will also provide resources for residents interested in contacting their legislators. Wall said she hopes these kinds of educational public meetings are important to support and protect democracy.

“It’s no small thing to get together to have these discussions,” Wall said. “(They are) essential.”

The discussion will be held Saturday at the Watkins Museum of History’s Community Room, 1047 Massachusetts St., from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.