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Webinars

All webinars are led by Zach Szmara, Immigrant Connection Founder and Executive Director, and Carrie Afanador, Director of Partnerships.

UPCOMING WEBINARS

Understanding the Supreme Court's Decisions on Immigration:
A Christian Perspective

July 16 2026 - 7:00pm EST

Recent Supreme Court decisions have significant implications for immigration law, public policy, and communities across the country. Join us for a timely webinar as we unpack the Court's latest rulings, explore their legal and practical impacts, and consider what they mean for immigrants, churches, and our communities. Together, we'll also reflect on how followers of Christ can thoughtfully engage these issues through the biblical values of justice, compassion, hospitality, and the God-given dignity of every person.

Citizenship Curriculum 2nd Ed. Training and Peer-to-Peer Learning Cohort

July 23 2026 - 1:00pm EST

This interactive session introduces Immigrant Connection’s Citizenship Curriculum 2nd Edition while creating space to connect with peers who are already running classes. Participants will learn best practices, ask questions, and engage in practical conversation around attracting students, retaining volunteers, and running sustainable programs on a tight budget. The cohort is designed to encourage shared learning, honest dialogue, and mutual support.

Immigration 101: Understanding the Basics

Sept 3, 2026 - 1:00pm EST

Immigration in the U.S. can feel overwhelming and confusing. This introductory session breaks down the fundamentals, key terms, major pathways, and how the system is structured. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of how immigration works and why it affects so many aspects of life in the United States.

God’s Heart for Immigrants

Sept 10, 2026 - 1:00pm EST

From Genesis to the teachings of Jesus Christ, Scripture consistently reveals God’s concern for the foreigner. This webinar traces that thread through the Bible and challenges participants to align their perspectives and actions with God’s heart for immigrants today.

Digital Advocacy:
Using Social Media for Good

Sept 17, 2026 - 1:00pm EST

Social media can amplify truth, or misinformation. Learn how to engage immigration issues online with wisdom and integrity. This webinar covers practical strategies for advocacy, storytelling, and navigating difficult conversations while reflecting your values in digital spaces.

Family-Based Immigration Explained

Oct 1, 2026 - 1:00pm EST

Family-based immigration is one of the most common ways people obtain lawful status in the United States. This session explains who may petition for family members, the different family preference categories, common eligibility requirements, waiting periods, and the overall process. Participants will gain a practical understanding of how family relationships can create immigration opportunities and the challenges families may encounter along the way.

Biblical Hospitality: Living Out Philoxenos

Oct 8, 2026 - 1:00pm EST

The New Testament calls believers to philoxenos, a radical love for the stranger. But what does that look like in a world shaped by borders and policies? This session unpacks biblical hospitality and offers practical ways individuals and churches can welcome immigrants with compassion, humility, and courage.

Talking to Kids & Youth About Immigration

Oct 15, 2026 - 1:00PM EST

Immigration can be a complex and sensitive topic, but young people are already forming opinions. This session equips parents, educators, and ministry leaders with age-appropriate, faith-centered tools to have honest, thoughtful conversations about immigration, justice, and compassion.

Humanitarian Immigration Explained

Oct 22, 2026 - 1:00PM EST

The U.S. immigration system includes protections for individuals fleeing persecution, violence, disasters, and other extraordinary circumstances. This session provides an overview of humanitarian pathways such as U Visas, T Visas, VAWA  and what happened to Temporary Protected Status (TPS), humanitarian parole, and other forms of relief. Participants will learn the purpose of these programs, who may qualify, and the role they play in protecting vulnerable populations.

Biblical Justice: Understanding Mishpat

Oct 29, 2026 - 1:00PM EST

What does the Bible really mean by justice? In this webinar, we explore the Hebrew concept of mishpat, a vision of justice rooted in restoration, dignity, and right relationships. Together, we’ll connect Scripture to today’s immigration realities and consider how faith communities can embody justice in meaningful, practical ways.

Planning and Preparedness:
Preparing for Immigration Emergencies

Nov 5, 2026 - 1:00PM EST

This train-the-trainer session equips community educators, advocates, service providers, and trusted messengers with the knowledge and tools to teach individuals and families how to prepare for potential immigration emergencies, including detention or deportation. Participants will learn key preparedness concepts, such as organizing important documents, developing family and childcare plans, identifying emergency contacts, understanding basic legal rights, and connecting community members with reliable resources. Trainers will leave with practical strategies for delivering this information in a clear, culturally responsive, and empowering way that helps communities prepare for uncertainty and make informed decisions.

Voices from the System:
A Panel on Immigration Detention

Nov 12, 2026 - 1:00PM EST

This panel brings together individuals with lived experience, advocates, and community leaders to share firsthand perspectives on immigration detention and its impact on individuals, families, and communities. Through personal stories and moderated discussion, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the realities of detention, the challenges people face while navigating the immigration system, and the resilience demonstrated throughout the process. The session aims to foster awareness, encourage meaningful dialogue, and provide insights into the human experiences behind immigration detention policies and practices.

PAST WEBINARS

 Welcome Program Training and Peer-to-Peer Learning Cohort​​

Join Immigrant Connection’s Welcome Program Training and Peer-to-Peer Learning Cohort to learn how churches and organizations are effectively hosting citizenship, conversational English, and family resource programs in their communities. This interactive session introduces Immigrant Connection’s Welcome Programs while creating space to connect with peers who are already running classes. Participants will learn best practices, ask questions, and engage in practical conversation around attracting students, retaining volunteers, and running sustainable programs on a tight budget. The cohort is designed to encourage shared learning, honest dialogue, and mutual support.

AN IMMIGRATION POLICY UPDATE

A follow-up immigration update highlighting new policy shifts, enforcement trends, and practical implications for immigrants, churches, and service providers. Ideal for those seeking to stay informed and respond wisely in a changing environment.

Understanding the Asylum Process​​

Asylum is often misunderstood and highly complex. This webinar walks through the basics of the asylum process, including eligibility, timelines, and risks, helping participants better understand the realities faced by those seeking protection in the U.S.

Good Friday & Easter
Through the Lens of a Foreigner

This reflective webinar explores the Good Friday and Easter story through the experience of the foreigner, exile, and outsider. Together, we’ll consider how Scripture invites us to see displacement, suffering, hope, and resurrection in new and meaningful ways.

When a Family Member or Friend Is Detained​​

 This webinar explains what detention means, what immediate steps to take, how to avoid common pitfalls, and how to connect with trusted legal help.

Minneapolis: Stories from the Ground 

What does the current immigration landscape look like at the local level and how is it impacting real people and communities right now? Panel conversation featuring voices from the ground in Minneapolis.

HOW TO SET UP AND RUN COMMUNITY BASED CITIZENSHIP CLASSES​​​

Citizenship classes are a powerful way churches and communities can support immigrant integration. Learn how to plan, launch, and sustain citizenship classes, from curriculum and volunteers to logistics and best practices for supporting students.​

Citizenship 101

Curious about the path to U.S. citizenship? This session offers a practical overview of eligibility, the application process, common challenges, and how trusted guidance can help immigrants take the next step toward naturalization.​

Immigrant Connection 2026: State of the Organization â€‹â€‹â€‹

We are marking 12 years of service, impact, and innovation this month, and we are excited to share with you about our growth, current initiatives, and future outlook. Please join us for an in-depth overview of our growth and impact. 

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