Immigration Conference 2023

On June 29, 2023, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend (CCFWSB) hosted its 6th Immigration Conference. With federal immigration policies continuing to evolve, this year’s conference brought together national speakers to educate attendees on these changes and the possible effects on the community. 

In a packed room at the Mirro Center, attendees from across Indiana were in attendance.

Normally a training event for service providers and attorneys, this year, employers were welcomed. The morning sessions covered important work authorization topics that can help employers hire additional skilled laborers.  In the afternoon, the speaker focused on the situation at the Southern Border and how it will affect the rest of the interior nation.

CCFWSB began the Immigration Conference in 2009 to teach service providers about immigration policies that affected the community. Catholic Charities collaborated on this event with the City of Fort Wayne, Greater Fort Wayne, Inc., The Hispanic Leadership Coalition of Northeast Indiana, and St. Joseph Community Health Foundation.

 Agenda:

  • Opening Remarks | Dan Florin, CEO and Luz Ostrognai, Director of Immigration Services at Catholic Charities

  • Remarks | Mayor Tom Henry

  • The Economic Power of Immigrants in Indiana | Michael Hicks, Director of the Center for Business and Economic Research at Ball State University

  • Overview of the Four Different Types of Immigration Status Categories: Citizens, Residents, Non-Immigrants, and Undocumented Immigrants | Lisa Koop, National Director of Legal Services at the National Immigrant Justice Center

  • Employment-Based Immigration and Labor Certification | Mandira Sethi, Attorney at Barnes and Thornburg

  • Overview of the Border Situation and the Asylum Process | Tania Guerrero, Advocacy Attorney at CLINIC

As an agency with a Department of Justice Accredited representative, CCFWSB has provided services for those seeking legal immigration pathways since 2005. With a mission rooted in Catholic Social Teaching, CCFWSB believes in treating everyone with dignity and respect, especially when welcoming new neighbors.

Immigration legal services provided by CCFWSB include:

  • Adjustment of status

  • Family petitions

  • Citizenship and Naturalization

  • Employment Authorization

  • Temporary protection Status

  • DACA

  • Citizenship Class

  • Affidavit Of Support

  • Travel Document

  • Re-Entry Permit

  • Fiancé Petition

  • Violence Against Women Act

  • U-Visas

  • Translation and Interpretation

  • Consular Process

For more information, please visit: https://www.ccfwsb.org/immigration.

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