As Illinois continues to be a barometer for the state of progressive immigration policy in the United States, the sixth annual convening of the National Latino Congreso, the politics and policy convention of the Latino community, will be held in Chicago from May 17-19. The Midwestern location marks the Congreso’s first convocation outside of the Southwestern region of the United States.

The National Latino Congreso’s 2012 programming will focus around three themes: economic justice, immigration and migrant rights, and the Latino vote and civic engagement. Workshop applications are being accepted through April 15 and can be requested by writing to nlc-info@nalacc.org. Congreso activities will be held at Arturo Velasquez Institute (2800 South Western Ave, Chicago). For more information on the event programming, sponsorship, or volunteer opportunities, contact NALACC at nlc-info@nalacc.org or (877) 683-2908 ext.7. Chicago-area host organizations include the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR), the Latino Policy Forum, and NALACC. For more information, visit www.latinocongreso.org.