JRS/USA Appoints Refugee Law Expert Thea Lay as VP of Advocacy and Policy

Immigration and refugee law expert will expand JRS’s litigation prowess; former VP of Advocacy, Research, and Partnerships Donald Kerwin remains as Senior Ignatian Migration Fellow

Dorothea “Thea” Lay joins Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS)/USA following more than 30 years of leadership in refugee protection, asylum law, immigration litigation, and humanitarian policy. Her appointment strengthens JRS/USA’s advocacy efforts on behalf of refugees, asylum seekers, and forcibly displaced people around the world.

Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS)/USA announced that Dorothea “Thea” Lay has joined the organization as Vice President of Advocacy and Policy.

Lay is a nationally recognized expert in refugee and humanitarian protection law, with more than three decades of leadership shaping U.S. asylum and immigration policy. She has served in roles across the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security, including as a senior advisor on protection law and policy at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and at its predecessor, the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). Her experience also includes work on the Hill, where she was detailed as immigration counsel to the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee.

Lay has played a central role in developing landmark regulations, litigating positions, and policy initiatives, including foundational efforts to establish domestic violence as a basis for asylum and to implement U.S. obligations under the Convention Against Torture. Originally from Boise, Idaho, Lay began her career working directly with newly arriving refugee families there and helping them acclimate to life in the United States.

“The JRS mission to accompany, serve, and advocate for refugees and other displaced persons has always called to me, and has never been more crucial than now.  I am very grateful for this opportunity to help advance it,” said Lay.

JRS/USA has also announced that Donald Kerwin – JRS/USA vice president of advocacy, research, and partnerships since January 2025 – will continue with the organization in a consulting role as a Senior Ignatian Migration Fellow. As VP, Donald was instrumental in grounding communication of JRS’s priorities in Catholic social teaching and scholarship. He will continue to provide thought leadership and writing on migration policy and coordinate Ignatian Migration Dialogue webinars.

Jesuit Refugee Service/USA is part of JRS International, serving refugees and other forcibly displaced people in more than 50 countries. Dedicated to accompanying, serving, and advocating on behalf of refugees and migrants, JRS provides education, livelihoods support, emergency assistance, mental health and psychosocial services, and more to individuals and communities worldwide.

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