Ignatian Migration Dialogue | State and Local Immigration Measures

18 February 2026 at 2:00pm
Virtual via Zoom

Register Here

How Do State and Local Policies Shape the Lives of Immigrant Families?

February 18 | 2 p.m. ET

Join Ann Morse, Tobin Williamson, and Isaac Cuevas for a conversation on how state and local laws, policies, and practices shape the daily lives and well-being of immigrants and their families. While federal immigration policy often dominates national debate, decisions made at the state and local level play a critical role in determining access to services, safety, and community support. Moderated by Donald Kerwin, Vice President of Advocacy, Research, and Partnerships at Jesuit Refugee Service/USA, the session will explore legislative trends, examine select pending bills, and highlight how faith communities and community-based organizations respond to—and help address—the impacts of federal immigration policy at the local level.

Key Discussion Points

  • How state and local immigration laws and policies affect immigrant families and communities.
  • Trends in state and local immigration legislation and how they have shifted over time.
  • The impact of pending and proposed bills on access to services and protections.
  • How local policies interact with and respond to federal immigration enforcement.
  • The role of faith communities in supporting, opposing, or addressing policy impacts.
  • How community-based organizations meet the needs of immigrant residents at the local level.

Speakers

Tobin Williamson

A man with dark hair smiling at the camera standing in front of a brick wall. | Ignatian Migration Dialogue, State and Local Immigration Measures

Tobin C. Williamson is the Senior Partnerships & Policy Manager at the Refugee Advocacy Lab, housed at Refugees International. Prior to joining the Lab, Tobin was the Manager of Advocacy & Policy with the Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition and brings years of experience from working in U.S. Congressional Offices and Consulates General.

Tobin earned a Master’s Degree in Political Science from the University of North Carolina, and a B.S. in Geography and a B.A. in International Studies from the University of Central Arkansas.

Isaac Cuevas
A man with dark hair wearing a grey suit with a black tie, sitting in front of a white background staring at the camera. Ignatian Migration Dialogue, State and Local Immigration Meausres
Isaac Cuevas is the Senior Director of the Office of Life, Justice and Peace for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, where he oversees initiatives related to immigration, life issues, social justice, and community outreach. He works with clergy, parish leaders, and community partners to support vulnerable communities and represents the Archdiocese in dialogue with civic and nonprofit leaders to advance human dignity and the common good.
Ann Morse
A woman with chin-length brown hair and glasses, wearing a black top and a cream-colored scarf, sitting in front of a grey background. | Ignatian Migration Dialogue, State and Local Immigration Measures
Ann D. Morse spent 33 years at the National Conference of State Legislatures, where she led the Immigrant Policy Project and supported task forces on immigration and hunger policy for state lawmakers before retiring in 2021. She holds a master’s in Science, Technology, and Public Policy and a bachelor’s in East Asian Studies from The George Washington University. In 2007, she was awarded the Ian Axford Fellowship to study immigration and integration policies in New Zealand and the U.S.

Why Attend

This dialogue will offer practical insights for advocates, faith leaders, and community members seeking to better understand local immigration policy—and how to support immigrant neighbors through informed, faith-rooted action.

See past Ignatian Migration Dialogue webinars here