The immigration debate has been sparked once again in the Quad Cities.
Tuesday, July 8, 2014, Davenport Mayor Bill Gluba announced the "Caring Cities Campaign", which he defined as a humanitarian effort. The plan would make Davenport a safe haven for Central American immigrant children who are currently detained in the southern U.S. border states.
"I was excited when I found out because, first and foremost, we are talking about children," said Amy Rowell, Director of Moline World Relief, a not-for-profit organization that assists immigrants and refugees who have fled to the U.S.
Rowell said the children who have fled Central America need help, but it doesn't come as an easy task.
The children could require several translators and medical and trauma care. Rowell said several organizations would have to be involved.
Between what they were facing in their home country, and the turmoil they have experienced since their detainment, the kids have been through a lot, Rowell said.
Wednesday, July 9, members of the group met to discuss their next step, crafting questions they would submit for the Department of Health and Human Services.