Ignatian Migration Dialogue
A webinar series, moderated by JRS/USA leaders, and featuring guest experts, which will examine pressing migration challenges and offer a forum to build strategic partnerships. It will also educate the public on refugees, forced migrants, and immigrants during a time of misunderstanding and uncertainty.
About the webinar
In a time when immigration and refugee protection are highly contested, JRS/USA’s Ignatian Migration Dialogue webinar series will bring values, evidence, and a person-centered perspective into dialogue on pressing refugee and migration challenges.
Hosted monthly by Donald Kerwin, JRS/USA Vice President of Advocacy, Research, and Partnerships, or Kelly Ryan, President of JRS/USA, each webinar will feature guest experts exploring the intersection of law, policy, and faith—and how we are called to respond.
Why Attend?
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Understand: Break down the legal and policy shifts shaping immigrant and refugee rights.
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Connect: Hear how Catholic Social Teaching applies to today’s challenges.
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Act: Learn practical steps to advocate for just and humane migration policies.
Series Themes
Each month will highlight urgent topics including:
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Impact Litigation
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Welcoming Centers & Community Responses
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Religious Liberty & Immigrant Rights
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Immigrant Detention Practices
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State & Local Immigration Measures
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Birthright Citizenship and Statelessness
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Catholic Advocacy for Migration Justice
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Sessions on Specific Refugee Communities
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Executive Orders & Federal Policy Changes
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Mass Deportations and Human Dignity
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Migrant Deaths
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Public Safety and National Security
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Upcoming Webinars
Stay Tuned for 2026 Schedule
Past Webinars
December 3
Religious Liberty
Speakers:
- Kelly Ryan, JRS/USA President
- Miguel Naranjo, Director of the Religious Immigration Services section of CLINIC
- Dr. Brett C. Hoover, Professor of Practical Theology at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles
October 28
Human Dignity, Immigrants, and the Response of Faith Communities
Speakers:
- Donald Kerwin, VP of Advocacy, Research, and Partnerships, JRS/USA
- Guest Speaker: Archbishop Thomas Wenski of Miami
October 8
Federal Litigation
Speakers:
- Donald Kerwin, VP of Advocacy, Research, and Partnerships, JRS/USA
- Guest Speaker: Sam Callahan, Senior Associate, Arnold & Porter


