Even in the best of times, the US immigration process is a complicated one. Right now, national news brings reports of changing rules about seeking asylum, detentions of families at the border, lowering the number of refugees arriving in the US, and changing the rules about who can get visas.

For anyone who is curious about how the immigration system works and what life is like for immigrants in local communities, a community gathering will be hosted by Trinity Episcopal Church, 36 Main Street, on Friday, October 18, at 7:30 pm. Tina Colón Williams will speak about the immigration process itself, how people and families move through the system, and what roadblocks they face.

Ms Williams is a lawyer at the Esperanza Center for Law & Advocacy and a board member at Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services (IRIS).

Anghy Idrovo will speak about challenges immigrants face accessing education and healthcare in Connecticut and tell her own story of growing up undocumented in Danbury. Ms Idrovo is the Lead Organizer for CT Students for a Dream in Danbury and a student at the University of Connecticut.

The presentations will be followed by a time for questions from the audience. The event is sponsored by Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services (IRIS).

Donations will be accepted for Interfaith Partnership for Refugee Resettlement, the Newtown-based group preparing to sponsor its third family in the greater Newtown area.

Doors open at 6:45, and light refreshments will be served. Reservations are requested and can be done immigrationfacts.eventbrite.com.