SEPTEMBER 1st

A session moderated by Kate Melloy Goettel (Federal Litigation Clinic Director, University of Iowa College of Law), including staff from the International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP), The Advocates for Human Rights,  and National Immigrant Justice Center, featuring: 

• A national overview of the current immigration law landscape impacting people experiencing forced migration, specifically recent developments from BIA/EOIR, and TPS/ Parole/SIV/Refugee Processing and Resettlement policy changes 

• Updates on current and emerging legal challenges to policies 

• Key organizing, advocacy, and litigation strategies being used nationwide to respond to policy changes and enforcement actions  

• Practical insights for attorneys and advocates supporting immigrant communities in a rapidly changing legal environment 

Facilitated by Refugee Council USA with Robyn Barnard, Human Rights First. Panels and activities exploring: 

• Best practices in messaging and storytelling to communicate the impact of policy on refugee and immigrant lives 

• Skills training for effective meetings with legislators and discussion of diverse strategies for advocacy at municipal, state and federal levels 

• Strategies for building community power and increasing representation in local, state, and national decision-making 

A session moderated by Drake University School of Law, including staff of the Center for Gender & Refugee Studies and Human Rights First: 

• An overview of Mullin v. El Otro Lado and the legal issues at stake and emergent substantive developments to asylum law and policy  

• Analysis of the case's implications for access to asylum and protections at the U.S. border  

• Discussion of current challenges facing asylum seekers and advocates  

• Practical considerations for attorneys representing individuals affected by evolving border and asylum policies  

A session moderated by Fatima Saidi (We Are All America) featuring Mazahir Salih (Immigrant Welcome Network of Johnson County). A roundtable discussion for immigrant and refugee leaders who serve in community leadership roles, are engaged in civic and political organizing, and have run for public office, discussing: 

• Pathways to civic engagement and political participation for immigrant and refugee communities  

• Experiences running for office, serving on boards and commissions, or leading community-based initiatives  

• Local leadership development and coalition-building efforts  

• Challenges and opportunities facing emerging immigrant and refugee leaders  

• Lessons learned from organizing across diverse communities to advance shared policy goals 

A generative session moderated by Yer Vang (Legal Director, Catholic Charities-Cedar Rapids), including staff from IRAP and Advocates for Human Rights, as well as other organizations, featuring: 

• Evaluating changing USCIS policies  

• Collective strategy on best practices for legal advocacy supporting clients impacted by new USCIS policies 

Join Professor Suzie Pritchett for an interactive workshop that explores the basics of the immigration law system, including: 

• Humanitarian parole pathways 

• TPS and asylum updates 

• Family reunification 

• Adjustment of status options 

The workshop will give participants an opportunity to walk through the immigration system under hypothetical scenarios with the goal of leaving with a better understanding of the immigration system.