We are delighted to welcome Sue Weishar, a lifelong immigrant advocate who lives in New Orleans, LA. She is the former director of Immigration and Refugee Services at Catholic Charities in the Archdiocese of New Orleans and a former policy and research fellow with Jesuit Social Research Institute (JSRI) at Loyola University New Orleans. Currently, she is the chair of the social justice committee at her local parish, St. Anthony of Padua. Sue talks about the positive impact of immigrants in the city of New Orleans, especially in the recovery efforts after Hurricane Katrina. She shares stories of the way her parish and community have been impacted by increased immigrant enforcement, including the separation of families.

Brian and Joe also share stories of families who are separated as a result of immigration policy. Joe shares the story of Amanda, a teenage girl at a shelter in Reynosa, who he connected with over a mutual interest in the writings of JRR Tolkien (although we will let you guess which one is the bigger fan!). Amanda was with her dad and siblings in Mexico, while her mom lives in Texas: a family separated, trying to decide how to reunite. Brian shares the story of Javier, who was picked up by ICE and deported after living two decades in the U.S., leaving behind his wife and kids. Brian was impressed to hear him look for the bright side of his difficult situation.

Immigrant Workers’ Critical Role in Rebuilding after Hurricane Katrina and Present Realities