Immigration Summits

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Person dressed as the Liberty Statue holding a big pamphlet that reads: Lady Liberty wants dreamers to stay

Photo taken from the distance of two people walking on an unpaved trail.

Eight Annual Immigration Summit: Uncharted Trails

In 2024, the Annual Immigration Summit welcomed keynote speaker Dr. Alejandro Olayo-Méndez, SJ, from Boston College’s School of Social Work. In addition to hearing from Dr. Olayo-Méndez, his gallery show “ In Search of a Dream” showcased photography documenting life on the border for migrants.

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World with silhouette of people walking around it

Seventh Annual Immigration Summit: Companions on the Journey

On the recent anniversary of his visit to Lampedusa, Pope Francis urged us to reflect on the question “Where is Your Brother?” and to see everyone who knocks on our door as “worthy of love, acceptance, and every care.” Considering the enduring plight of migrants, Pope Francis called for renewed solidarity. We, fellow Catholics, listened, learned, and celebrated ways to be a place of refuge for our brothers and sisters fleeing war, persecution, climate change, and violence.

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Image of cardstock banners on a protest at night time. The main banner says 'immigrants make America Great'

Sixth Annual Immigration Summit: Catholics Engaging in Immigrant Justice

We gathered for a day rich in camaraderie and advocacy, focusing on justice for immigrants. Participants engaged in workshops addressing mental health, legal issues, and more, heard from immigrant communities, and concluded with an enriching interfaith townhall. This event was a vibrant celebration of diverse traditions and deep listening.

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IMAGE: An altar for the children who have died at the US/Mexico Border

Fourth Annual Immigration Summit: Hope in Solidarity

In 2020, the Annual Immigration Summit successfully transitioned online, offering a month-long exploration of immigrant challenges through videos and resources. Held from May 15 to June 15, the summit covered advocacy, DACA, spiritual resilience, mental health, and legal assistance, enriching participants' understanding and solidarity.

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Seattle Area Resources

In the midst of this pandemic, we are working hard to maintain services to refugees and immigrants. Citizenship interviews may be on hold, but staff are busy helping clients (remotely) to prepare applications and tutors are helping them study for their interviews. ESL tutoring pairs continue to meet via Zoom, Skype, and other apps. Our elder clients are more isolated than ever, but staff keep in touch with them regularly and share crucial information about health, financial, and other support. So much has changed in the past few months, but our volunteers and staff are not going to stop working to make the world a better place for all of us, and a place where immigrants are valued, celebrated, and supported. Find out what we are up to in each of our programs. Visit our website for more information including resources for immigrants.

NWIRP's legal services are critical to helping thousands of immigrants in Washington State navigate the complexities of the United States immigration system so they can apply for asylum or other forms of immigration protection. Without appropriate legal assistance, the men, women, and children served by NWIRP may be less likely to obtain legal immigration status, and more likely to be returned to a country where they face ill-treatment, torture, or even death. Access to NWIRP's services can also be a major factor in providing economic and personal security. Without legal support, our clients are often unable to access medical assistance, housing, or other basic services, and many of them are afraid to call the police for protection from domestic violence or other crimes.

Archdiocese of Seattle – Immigrant & Refugee Ministry: Grounded by our belief in Jesus Christ and Catholic teaching, Immigrant & Refugee Ministry fulfills the commitment of the U.S. Catholic bishops to protect the life and dignity of the human person. We serve and advocate for immigrants, refugees, asylees, migrants, unaccompanied children, and victims of human trafficking. 

The Intercommunity Peace & Justice Center's Justice for Women program: 

WSCC SUPPORTS:

  • Just treatment of immigrants and refugees including those detained and waiting for status processing within the United States immigration system.
  • Just and fair treatment for young persons under DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) currently in our federal immigration system.

Learn More: https://wacatholics.org/immigration-support 

Send your suggestions!

The following list of resources is a work-in-progress. If you have an organization you suggest be included, please email ICTC@seattleu.edu.