WORKSHOPS

 

The National Migration Conference offers a variety of workshops of interest  and import to practitioners and advocates alike. Presentations will be both informative and interactive. Experts will challenge participants to develop new and innovative strategies and to stretch their thinking and resources in new ways to best serve those in the migrant community entrusted to their care. The following list is tentative and subject to change. Scroll down for a complete list and note that workshops listed under each session are taking place simultaneously.

SESSION 1 - Tuesday, July 29

10:30 a.m -12:00 p.m. (10 workshops)

WORKSHOP TOPIC	FACILITATOR/PANELISTS
Back to the Future: Strategies for Comprehensive Immigration Reform - The Road to Victory This workshop will focus on reasons for the failure of past comprehensive immigration reform legislation and will look at how the Catholic community can prepare for a return to comprehensive immigration reform in the future. Suggestions will be made concerning new strategies and methods which can be used, including effective coalition-building and education tools. A political overview, and perspective from Capitol Hill will be given. The view from the business community will be shared, as well as how dioceses can partner with businesses in their area. Messaging will be covered in part II of the workshop scheduled for Tuesday, July 29  at 1:45 P.M. WORKSHOP MATERIALS: Backgrounder on Immigration Reform USCCB Immigration Reform Proposal Bishop Gerald Barnes statement on Enforcement Initiatives Politics of Immigration by National Immigration Forum Bishop John Wester Lecture at University of Utah Polling Summary Cardinal Mahony Lecture on the Constitution and Economic Liberty	Kevin Appleby, Director, MRS Office of Migration and Refugee Policy Ali Noorani, Executive Director, National Immigration Forum Wendy Young, Counsel Senate Subcommittee on Immigration Laura Reiff, Essential Workers Immigration Coalition
How To Combat Federal Raids, State & Local Immigration Enforcement Iniatives This workshop will provide tools to dioceses to help them respond to federal, state and local law enforcement actions and initiatives. WORKSHOP MATERIALS CLINIC Enforcement Plan List of Resources	Ryan Dwyer, Immigration Policy Advocate, MRS Karen Herrling, CLINIC Susan Schreiber, CLINIC
Attending to Cultural Diversity This workshop will provide a framework to the concept of culture and dynamics involved in multicultural situations. It will explore external and internal dimensions of culture, implications to pastoral ministry and social services, and actions which respect, affirm and celebrate diversity in parishes and dioceses.	Cecile L. Motus, Asst. Director, Secretariat for Cultural Diversity in the Church
Identifying and Supporting Survivors of Traumatic Events This workshop is designed to provide practial and applied information for supporting survivors of tramautic events, such as torture or human trafficking. Traumatic events are experienced by the individual as unexpected, sudden, threatening and life changing. Some possible reactions to trauma include: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, acute stress disorder, bipolar disorder, depressive disorder, enduring personality change, substance abuse, neuropsychological impairment, somatic complaints and phobias.The main objective of this training is to increase understanding of how trauma affects the body and the mind. It will also provide resources and basic tools to support efforts in caring for this population.	Project Reach, a program of the Trauma Center at Justice Resource Institute
Federal Partner Forum: Department of State, Bureau of Population, Refugees & Migration Workshop participants will hear about the state of the  national refugee resettlement program. Ms. Day will discuss current pipeline issues and highlights of the new RFP among other topics.	Barbara Day, Domestic Resettlement Section Chief, PRM
Children: Serving the Most Vulnerable Migrants This workshop will provide information and tools to help diocesan social service providers, including resettlement agencies who assist or want to assit children who are entering their communities.	Nathalie Lummert, Asst. Director, Children's Services, MRS
Best Practices: Raising Money from Foundations and Community The panelists of this workshop will discuss best practices in fundraising, both from the foundation and individual/community point of view. The panelists have each had success raising money for their particular program and will offer helpful dialogue related to fundrasing challenges for immigration services and how they overcame them. They will also share best practices for foundation strategies and raising money from special events, sponsorships and individuals.	Izzy Menchero, CLINIC Jack Holmgren, CLINIC Manuela Parsons, CLINIC Christine Hyland, Certified Fund Raising Executive
Overview of VAWA and Practical Suggestions for Assembling a VAWA Application This workshop will provide an overview of VAWA and the basic requirements for the VAWA self-petition. Practical tips will be offered on how to interview clients, gather evidence and supporting documentation in assembling a self-petition application. WORKSHOP MATERIALS: Immigration options for domestic violence victims Points for local and state law authorities Tips for preparing a VAWA application Immigration remedies for survivors of domestic violence	Helen Chen, CLINIC Carolyn Killea, M. Duetsch Immigration Law Firm Melanie Flaumenbaun, Boat People SOS
Family-based Immigration This panel will cover the following family-based immigration law topics: Child Status Protection Act, conversion and retention of priority dates, widow petitions and humanitarian reinstatement, automatic visa revocation. WORKSHOP MATERIALS: Family-based Immigration I-130 Petitioner's Death Retroactive Application of the Child Status Protection Act by Charles Wheeler Death of a Spouse and the Effect on Family-based Petition by Charles Wheeler	Charles Wheeler, CLINIC Debbie Smith, CLINIC Kristinia Karpinski, CLINIC
Motions to Suppress and Evidence Issues in Removal This panel will discuss remedies for ICE misconduct such as motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence in removal proceedings. It will discuss basic evidence topics such as authentication, admissibility of I-213 records, remedies for agency violation of regulations, statutory provisions and constitutional guarantees. the panelists will describe responses to ICE arguments, including those based on INS v. Lopez-Mendoza. Panelists will also discuss conduct at the master calendar, denial of the government's allegations, and request for a separate evidentiary hearing on suppression. Legal standards for arrests and entry into homes by immigration officers and rights in removal proceedings will also be covered. WORKSHOP MATERIALS Suppression motions	Hiroko Kusuda, Attorney, CLINIC Peggy Gleason, Attorney, CLINIC Kathleen Sullivan, Detention Project Manager, CLINIC Rex Chen, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of  Newark, NJ Miriam Crespo, CLINIC

SESSION 2 - Tuesday, July 29

1:45 p.m. -3:15 p.m. (10 workshops, some repeats from Session 1)

WORKSHOP TOPIC	FACILITATORS/PANELISTS
Back to the Future - Comprehensive Immigration Reform - Part II Messaging This workshop will focus on the appropriate use of messaging in the immigration debate. How do we respond to the amnesty charge? What pro-immigrant messages resonate with the American public, generally, and Catholics, specifically? What are the best methods for getting out a pro-immigrant message? How do we answer the myths in the immigration debate? A panel of experts will answer these questions. WORKSHOP MATERIALS: Hot button issues in immigration Words from the Holy Father on immigration A Nation of Immigrants ADL-Anti-Defamation League	Kevin Appleby, Director of Policy, Migration & Refugee Services Frank Sharry, Executive Director, America's Voice Stacy Burdett, Associate Director of Government & National Affairs, Anti-Defamation League. Tod Tamberg, Director of Media Relations, Archdiocese of Los Angeles
Global Migration Trends: What's It All About? This workshop will look at how issues of international economics, labor mobility and environmental degradation are driving current immigration patterns and how such changes can inform the way we think about and respond to migration. Particular attention will be given to migration in the Americas.	Mary DeLorey, Strategic Issues Advisor, Latin America and Caribbean Region, Catholic Relief Services. John Bingham, International Catholic Migration Commission, Geneva. Erica Dahl-Bredine, Country Manager, Catholic Relief Services/Mexico. Sister Janet Ferreira, Director, Migration Pastoral Espiscopal Conference of Ecuador & Representative on Migration Issues, Caritas Latin America and Caribbean (SELACC).
Migration & the Challenges of Diversity Sociologist Robert Putnam has doen the most extensive research in the United States on the topic of diversity. He reports that mega-churches and Roman Catholic parishes are among the few U.S. institutions that are doing well in coping with this challenge. He reports, nevertheless, that the short-term consequences of diversity are generally negative. Why is this? What does it mean for the Church's future and how can the Church do better in facilitating the ongoing encounters of cultures so characteristics of our times?	Fr. Allan Figueroa Deck, Secretariat for Cultural Diversity in the Church
Refugee Children in Fragile Family Situations: Identification, Protection and Resettlement Challenges Refugee children make up 45% of refugee populations worldwide, many of whom are living in "fragile" family circumstances with non-kin or relatives who cannot adequately care for them or in child-headed households which greatly heighten protection concerns. Yet, especially in urban settings, these fragile families oftern remain "hidden" and overlooked. For those vulnerable families arriving in the U.S., resettlement may bring its own set of challenges. This workshop will (1) offer a global view of current efforts to find, assess, protect, and refer vulnerable refugee children and their families (2) examine the complexity of their presenting needs upon arrival in the U.S., including a variety of workable service responses.	Jane Bloom, U.S. Liaison Officer, International Catholic Migration Commission. Heidi Boener, International Catholic Migration Commission-UN High Commissioner for Refugees Deployee. Julianne Duncan, Migration and Refugess Services. Margaret Burkhardt, East Asia Program Officer, Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration.
Federal Partner Forum:  Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) and the Match Grant Program Mr. Munia will review and update participants on the 2008 Match Grant Guidelines, implications,  experience to date with changes which took effect in 207, and what might be expected in future funding for the program. Also addressed will be issues related to serving Iraqi and Afghan SIV beneficiaries. This overview of trends and current challenges in the Match Grant program will conclude with an open question and answer period with our federal government counterpart.	Ron Munia, Director, Division of Community Resettlement and Matching Grant Team leader.
Catholic Social Teaching and Migration This workshop will provide an overview of Catholic Social Teaching on migrants and newcomers. It will explain the main thesis of Catholic Social Teachning, the Church's position in the immigration debate and how its teaching applies to policy, lawmakers, migrants and newcomers in this nation. WORKSHOP MATERIALS: America's Children by Donald Kerwin Catholic Social Teaching & Migration	Donald Kerwin, CLINIC Fr. Daniel Groody, Director of the Center for Latino Spirituality and Culture at the Institute for Latino Studies, University of Notre Dame Jill Marie Gerschutz, Outreach Coordinator and Policy Associate, U.S. Jesuit Conference Maura Collins, Communications Coordinator, CLINIC
Expanding Immigration Legal Services Capacity Through Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) Agency Site Recognition and Staff Accreditation BIA recognitition and accreditation allow non-attorneys to practice immigration law at non-profit community-based organizations. This workshop will explore trends in adjudication of applications for these priviledges from the BIA. WORKSHOP MATERIALS: EOIR Overview My BIA Action Plan	Jack Holmgren, CLINIC Amy Bliss Tenney, World Relief
On the One Hand: On The Other Hand: Nonimmigrant Religious Workers In A New World Assuming the issuance of USCIS regulations for the nonimmigrant religious worker classification, this workshop will highlight key provisions, discuss their import for and impact on this area of immigration practice and offer practical tips for practitioners. If regulations are not issued, the workshop will offer the same content on the proposed USCIS regulations. WORKSHOP MATERIALS: Guidelines for adjudicating R-1 nonimmigrant visas Laws and regulations applicable to religious workers Nonimmigrant religious workers	Allison Posner, CLINIC Albert Naranjo, CLINIC
Selected Issues in Adjustment of Status and Consular Processing This panel will discuss selected topics on adjust of status and consular processing. Topics will include eligibility for adjustment under INA Section 245 (a) and (c) 245 (i), grandfather issues, adjustment for arriving aliens and updates on document collection and reveiw at the National Visa Center for consular processing cases. WORKSHOP MATERIALS: Adjustment and Consular Processing	Kristina Karpinski, CLINIC Peggy Gleason, CLINIC Caitlin Brazill, Catholic Charities DC Lynne Skeirik, Director, National Visa Center, US Department of State
Overview of Removal Proceedings The panelists will discuss the basics of removal proceedings including who is placed in removal proceedings and how; the contents of the Notice to Appear; rights in removal proceedings; and the various stages of removal proceedings (bond hearings, master calendar hearings, expert witness testimony and merits hearings). WORKSHOP MATERIALS: Overview of removal proceedings - Chapter 6 from the Survey of Immigration Law Training Manual, CLINIC IJ Decision In absentia NTA Motion for Change of Venue	Sarah Bronstein, CLINIC Susan Schreiber, CLINIC
SPECIAL TIME: 1:45 p.m. - 5:45 p.m. "Impossible" Immigration Cases: Learn How Human Rights Tools Can Help Could you use one more good argument to persuade CIS to approve that difficult waiver application? Or another way to show 'exceptional' hardship to prevent a child's parent from being deported? This session provides concrete, useable human rights tools to enhance your waiver applications and other arguments favorable CIS or IJ discretion. It also describes effective ways to use international human rights concepts in community advocacy. WORKSHOP MATERIALS: Beharry v. Reno Georgetown Human Rights Case Law Opportunity Agenda Human Rights in State Court Right to Family Life	Kathleen Sullivan, CLINIC Rex Chen, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark Wafa Abdin, St. Francis Cabrini Center, Catholic Charities of Galveston-Houston

SESSION 3 - Tuesday, July 29

3:45 p.m.- 5:15 p.m. (10 workshops)

WORKSHOP TOPIC	FACILITATORS/PANELISTS
A Catholic Response to Human Trafficking This workshop will talk about the position of the Catholic Church on the issue, efforts both domestically and internationally to end this horrible practice and federal law governing the issue. Methods for identifying and rescuing trafficking victimes will also be discussed.	Kevin Appleby, Moderator, Director of Policy, USCCB/Migration & Refugee Services. Jane Bloom, U.S. Liasison Officer, International Catholic Migration Commission. Mary DeLorey, Policy Advisor, Catholic Relief Services.  Sister Mary Ellen Doughtery, Provincial Leadership, School Sisters of Notre Dame. Nyssa Mestas, Director of Trafficking Programs, USCCB.
Educating & Organizing Parishes - Immigration This workshop will offer best practices for educating and organizing parishioners around the issue of immigration. Topics include the use of priests and homilies, educational materials and letter-writing campaigns.	Antonio Cube, National Campaign Manager, Justice For Immigrants
From Strangers and Guest Workers to Migrant Dignity This workshop will provide brief descriptions of current policies with often damaging effects on the lives of migrant workers in the field and factories. A panel of speakers will offer practical approaches and actions service providers and pastoral workers can take to improve the plight of these workers.	Moderator: Sr. Myrna Tordillo, MSSC, Secretariat for Cultural Diversity in the Church
Recertification for Refugees with Professional Backgrounds Recertification allows refugees with university degrees and professional training to remain in their chosen career fields. In this session, Refugee Words will introduce you to to resources that exist for clients who want to reclaim their careers or build new ones. In light of the fact that 63 percent of recent Iraqi refugees hold college degrees, this is a topic of particular timeliness. This session is based on Refugee Works' recent research findings on recertification in the medical career fields.	Daniel Sturm, Staff Consultant and Newsletter Managing Editor, Refugee Works at Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, National Center for Refugee Employment and Self-Sufficiency.
Effective Case Management in a Resettlement Program This workshop will highlight areas of MRS' management manual for program directors. MRS continues to emphasize the need for resettlement directors to build a solid foundation of case management in their programs which begins with the basic principles of social work. The MRS manual outlines these concepts and how they to address challenges of operating a resettlement program.	Barbara Klimek, Lecturer & Assistant Director of Feild Education, BSW- Arizona State University
Court Skills - Mock Removal Hearing* The panelists will present a mock removal hearing for observation and discussion. The hearing will cover the various phases of a removal hearing (bodn, master calendar, merits hearing, and expert witness testimony). After each phase of the hearing, there will be a critique and discussion period. *Participants are encouraged to attend the Overview of Removal Proceedings slated for Tuesday, July 29  from 1:45 to 3:15.	Sarah Bronstein, CLINIC Susan Schreiber, CLINIC Hiroko Kusuda, CLINIC Miriam Crespo, CLINIC Debbie Smith, CLINIC
Strategy Session on State and Local Immigration Measures During the last two years, the number of anti-immigrant proposals in state legislatures and city councils has risen sharply. Workshop panelists will provide a legal and policy analysis of anti-immigrant proposals, an update on pending litigation, and strategies for combating these measures, including efforts to promote an affirmative state and local policy agenda.	Helen Harnett, CLINIC Jonathan Blazer, National Immigration Law Center Fr. Patrick Delahanty, Kentucky State Catholic Conference Stephen Fotopulos, Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition Jennifer C. Chang, Staff Attorney, ACLU Immigrants' Rights Project
Overview of U & T Visas The workshop will provide a basic overview of the U & T visas including recent policy updates. This workshop will provide basic information on these immigration provisions to non-attorneys and attorneys new to Us and Ts. This interactive program will assist a variety of service providers to identify eligible individuals, gain a basic understanding of the laws, and develop strategies for collaborating with law enforcement and other agencies.	Helen Chen, CLINIC Kavitha Sreeharsha, Legal Momentum Nirupa Narayan, Tahirih Justice Center Elizabeth Keyes, Women Empowered Against Violence
Ethical Issues in the Practice of Immigration Law This workshop will review the basic ethical responsibilities of legal advocates and how to recognize and respond to situations that pose ethical problems. It will cover the importance of ethics, attorney/client relationship, retainer agreements, scope of services and end of services, duty of competence and diligence, communication, confidentiality, conflict of interest, meritorious claims, candor to tribunal and document fraud. The workshop will also address best practices, case management techniques and service delivery tools.	Tanisha Bowens, CLINIC
Immigration Law and Crimes (repeated Wednesday, July 30 at 9:30 a.m.) This panel will describe common problems with immigration clients who had had violations for criminal law, and how to deal with them. DUIs and domestic violence crimes will be defined as to consequences they have for different types of relief and applications. The consequences of other crimes such as theft and assault will be described. Panelists will also explain waivers for criminal convictions. The definition of criminal and sentence will be described, as well as possible avenues for post-conviction relief. Obtaining criminal records and deciphering them will be discussed.	Peggy Gleason, CLINIC Mary Holper, Supervising Attorney, Immigration & Asylum Clinic, Boston College

ADVOCACY DAY - Wednesday, July 30 (Please check  Advocacy Day page for updates)

10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

WORKSHOP TOPICS	FACILITATORS/PANELISTS
Introduction to Asylum Law and Procedures The panelists will provide an overview of the law of asylum, withholding of removal and the Convention Against Torture. Panelists will also discuss how to prepare an application for asylum and the procedure for applying for asylum affirmatively before a USCIS asylum office or defensively before an Immigration Judge.	Sarah Bronstein, CLINIC Jennie Guilfoyle, CLINIC
Getting over the Bar: Strategies in Filing Waivers of Inadmissability This panel will discuss the legal requirements and filing process for immigrant waivers, as well as winning strategies and documentation issues. Panelists will cover waivers for fraud, prior removals, unlawful presence, crimes and HIV. The difference between filing with Citizenship and Immigration Services in the United States in immigration court proceedings and at a U.S. consulate abroad will be reviewed. Panelists will also describe appeals from waiver denials to the AAO.	Susan Schreiber, CLINIC Debbie Smith, CLINIC
ICE Enforcement Tools: Verification Systems that Function as Enforcement Measures This workshop will provide an overview of the new I-9 form, E-Verify (formerly known as the Basic Pilot), the Social Security Number Verification Systems (SSNVS), as well as the Social Security No-Match Program. You'll learn how the federal government and individual states are implementing these systems/programs and how employers and employees should respond.	Karen Herrling, CLINIC
Immigration Law & Crimes (repeat)	Peggy Gleason, CLINIC Mary Holper, Boston College

SESSION 4 - Thursday, July 31

8:30 a.m. - 10: 00 a.m. (10 workshops)

WORKSHOP TOPIC	FACILITATORS/PANELISTS
Refugee Protection in the Post 9/11 Era This workshop will focus on policy/advocacy issues surrounding the issue of refugee protection, especially in the new political atmosphere of the post 9/11 era. Material support, resettlement criteria, overseas assistance, and "pipeline" issues will be discussed. Tips on local integration and local education efforts will be offered.	Anastasia Brown, Director of Refugee Programs, USCCB/MRS Sara Feldman, Policy Advisor, USCCB/MRS Daisy Francis, Policy Advisor, Protection Issues, Catholic Relief Services
From Newcomers to Stewards of the Faith Community This workshop unfolds nine practical steps to facilitate the healthy integration of new immigrants into the life of the parish and in society. The steps move from strengthening Catholic identity, to developing a sense of belonging, finally arriving at a sense of ownership, as a new diverse and united faith community matures.	Alejandro Aguilera-Titus, Secretariat for Cultural Diversity in the Church
Serving Victims of Human Trafficking This workshop will provide an overview of human trafficking and present promising practices for providing case management services to survivors of human trafficking who are foreign nationals. Interactive case scenarios will engage participants in creating a plan for caring for survivors after their escape. Participants are encouraged to share successes and challenges of working with this clientele.	Nyssa Mestas, Assistant Director, MRS Kristyn Williams, Screening and Field Coordinator, MRS
From A to Z: How to Have a Strong Volunteer Program  This workshop will outline the essential components of a strong volunteer program: Recruitment and Selection, Training and Development, Supervision and Evaluation, Support and Recognition.	Mary Bachman, Director of Volunteer Resources, Catholic Charities of St. Paul and Minneapolis Angela Fox, Catholic Charities of St. Paul and Minneapolis, MRS
The Iraqis and Bhutanese: Challenges to Resettlement A panel of experts will offer insight on the resettlement challenges presented by these newly arriving refugee groups. This workshop will provide a global view of the two populations as well as more practical information with implications for resettlement.	Larry Yungk Sr., Resettlement Officer, washington D.C. Regional Office, UN High Commission for Refugees Mitzi Schroeder, Director for Policy, Jesuit Refugess Services/USA Salah Lohoney, Senior Case Manager & Coordinator for Interpreting Catholic Family Services
Affadavit of Support Game Show Set in a game show format, this workshop will cover the most important aspects of the affidavit of support: counting household size, measuring income, using joint sponsors, and completing the forms. Be prepared for a lively and entertaining experience.	Charles Wheeler, CLINIC Jack Holmgren, CLINIC Peggy Gleason, CLINIC
Asylee & Refugee Immigration Issues This workshop will focus on recent developments and updates in asylee and refugee immigration issues, including the material support bar and nunc pro tunc asylum applications.	Jennie Guilfoyle, CLINIC Amy Bliss Tenney, World Relief
On The One Hand: On the Other: Special Immigrant Religious Workers In a New World Assuming the issuance of USCIS regulations for the special immigrant religious worker classification, this workshop will highlight key provisions ; discuss their import for and impact on this area of immigration practice; and offer practical tips for practitioners. In the alternative, if regulations have not been issued, the workshop will offer the same content based on the proposed USCIS regulations.	Anne Marie Gibbons, CLINIC Albert Naranjo, CLINIC
Strategies for Naturalizing the Most Vulnerable Applicants This workshop will discuss how to help naturalize applicants with special needs, focusing on those who are elderly, disabled, low-income, low-literate and limited English proficient. Topics will include disability waivers, reasonable accommodations, oath waivers, due consideration, fee waivers, and expediated processing.	Laura Burdick, CLINIC Alla Shagalova, Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society
Raid Preparation: Learn to Give 'Know Your Rights' Presentations in Your Communities This workshop will give participants the tools that they need to give 'Know Your Rights' presentations in their communities. It will cover basic legal information including individual rights at home, on the street, in a car and at work. Workshop facilitators will give a demonstration of a 'Know Your Rights' presentation. Participants will learn techniques for giving an effective 'Know Your Rights' presentation as well as practice tips and pitfalls to avoid when giving these presentations. Materials will be provided.	Karen Herrling, CLINIC Susan Schreiber, CLINIC Michelle Sardone, Immigration Legal Advocate, Hogar Hispano

SESSION 5 - Thursday, July 31
10:15 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

WORKSHOP TOPIC	FACILITATOR/PANELISTS
Iraqi Refugees: Regional Displacement and the US Response This workshop will give an overview of the current situation facing displaced Iraqis in the Middle East. It examines the nature and magnitude of the humanitarian crisis in the region while reviewing legislative and administrative efforts to respond to the criis thus far. This session also seeks to offer practical solutions for, and engage participants in a discussion about US and Catholic responses going forward.	Jane Bloom, U.S. Liaison Officer, International Catholic Migration Commission. Julianne Duncan, Associate Director of Children's Services, Migration & Refugee Services/USCCB. Michael Hill, Associate Director, Government Relations, USCCB.
International Migration - New Opportunities for Solidarity Across Borders Catholic, faith-based and migrant-lead networks are creating new models for local and international collaboration in efforts to support and protect migrants, their families and the communities that send and receive them. Come learn and share experiences of bi-national diocesan partnerships, immigrant lead international networks and Home Town Associations and efforts of the Church to create alternatives to forced migration.	pending
Parenting Challenges From An African Immigrant Perspective This session will describe parenting attitudes and practices common to some African refugee and immigrant communities settled in the United States. It will explore challenges faced by these families raising children in a diverse American society. A panel of ethnic community leaders will share steps they have taken to transform parenting skills in their communities.	Moderator: Sr. Joanna Okereke, Handmaids of the Holy Child Jesus, Secretariat for Cultural Diversity in the Church
Building Bridges Between Diverse Communities This is an interactive workshop which will explore elements that create tension between diverse cultural, racial and generational groups in a parish or community. Participants will be encouraged to share 'best practices' for building healthy welcoming and unifying relationships and intercultural ministry or service teams.	Cecile Motus, Assistant Director, Secretariat for Cultural Diversity in the Church
Refugee Processing 101 This presentation will cover the processing of refugees from country of first asylum, through the U.S. Refugee program, to resettlement in a local diocese. Information regarding the following will be included: eligibility determination, USCIS adjudication, allocations, verifications/assurance, and transportation to the final destination.	Mark Sloan, Associate Director, Processing, MRS Ngoc-Anh Davis, Senior Processing Specialist, MRS Adrianne Badaluta, Case Management Supervisor, MRS
Become A Superstar: Secrets to Raising Your Program's Profile Do you wish to generate passion and support for immigration and refugee issues both inside and outside your agency? How about garner resources for your program? Ever thought about marketing as a strategy? Well, come hear answers to these questions and more as we share how to electrify your presence and reap the benefits of exposure.	pending
Open Mic: Ask the Experts Come with your questions on any aspect of immigration law and try to stump your panel of experts.	Charles Wheeler, CLINIC Sarah Bronstein, CLINIC Kristina Karpinski, CLINIC
Appeals to the BIA and AAO This workshop will cover BIA jurisdiction, the appeals process, format, basic content, fees and resources for the practitioner. It will also discuss the appeals process to the AAO, jurisdiction, fees, format and available resources. Appeal strategies and standard of review on appeal will also be addressed for both types of appeals.	Carol Pelton, CLINIC Peggy Gleason, CLINIC
Understanding the Impact of Immigration Violations: Unlawful Presence, Prior Removals, Permanent Bar and Reinstatement of Removal Panelists will discuss the INA Section 212 (a) (9) three-headed monster; inadmissability consequences for prior removals and unlawful presence. Presenters will review practice tips for determining inadmissibility under these grounds, eligibility for waivers of inadmissibility and exposure to reinstatements of removal. Recent federal court and BIA decisions will be discussed.	Susan Schreiber, CLINIC Jennie Guilfoyle, CLINIC
Detention Issues Advocates will speak about the increasing use of detention as an immigration enforcement mechanism. Conditions of detention and alternatives to detention will also be discussed. Panelists will also address incarceration of the most vulnerable migrants, including minors and the mentally incompetent.	pending

 

Preview the conference booklet. Review times and places for workshops, read the biographies of speakers and invited guests.