Immigration Symposium Agenda

Join us for check-in and continental breakfast before the day’s sessions begin. Network with fellow attendees interested in the issues faced by international newcomers in our country, state, and community.

Opening remarks delivered by Joe Cimperman, President and CEO of Global Cleveland.

*1 Hour of CLE credits available upon completion of this session

Purpose: In this session, our Keynote Speaker will discuss the potential legislation changes, law enforcement evolutions, and political and legal climate of immigration under a new administration.

Outcomes: The session will offer insight into legislative strategies and new policy directions. We will hear firsthand what anticipated shifts are forthcoming through legislation, possible executive orders, and administrative practices. Additionally, the discussion will provide expert predictions on legal challenges that may arise during the new term.

Moderator: Mark Naymik, Statewide Bureau Chief, Signal

Keynote Speaker: Ambassador Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley, Former Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Former U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Malta and Former President of the Middle East Policy Council

Learn about the impactful work being done by organizations dedicated to immigration and refugee support in Northeast Ohio.

Network with fellow attendees interested in the issues faced by international newcomers in our country, state, and community.

*1 Hour of CLE credits available upon completion of this session

Purpose: Join Regional leaders as they discuss immigration’s impact on the economy. Immigrants in Northeast Ohio are more likely to hold a bachelor’s degree or higher than in other Ohio regions. Learn how to best support this rising population and how to enhance Northeast Ohio’s competitiveness in the workforce.

Outcomes: The session will offer insight into strategies for enhancing our economy through immigrants. Professionals will understand best practices for supporting immigrants alongside the legal considerations regarding employment, education, and business law. Topics covered will be the legal requirements in sponsoring of H1-B visas, types of work authorizations, the impact on employment law, an economic impact analysis, and regional competitiveness strategies.

Moderator: 

Teresa Metcalf Beasley | Chair of Public Law Practice Group and Civic Engagement and Community Relations, McDonald Hopkins

Panelists:

• Judge Philip Calabrese | Judge, United States District Court Northern District of Ohio
• Aleksandar Cuic | Partner, Brown Immigration
• Rob Frost | Partner, Capitol Partners
• Councilwoman Meredith Turner | City of Cleveland

Learn about the impactful work being done by organizations dedicated to immigration and refugee support in Northeast Ohio.

*1 Hour of CLE credits available upon completion of this session

Purpose: Join local experts as they examine the state of immigration in Cuyahoga County. This panel will address the daily legal and practical challenges faced by immigrants, including issues related to refugees, asylees, housing, and education. Panelists will discuss strategies and solutions for addressing these challenges and provide insights into the ongoing efforts to improve conditions for immigrants in the region.

Outcomes: The session will provide an in-depth analysis of local immigration issues and offer practical guidance on how to maximize and create a better system for providing low-cost legal services. Participants will explore real-world applications of the law in addressing immigrant hardships, gaining insights into how legal frameworks are applied to resolve specific challenges faced by immigrants. The session will also enhance understanding of immigrant needs and experiences, equipping legal professionals with the essential knowledge and skills necessary to effectively advocate for and support immigrant communities in Cuyahoga County.

Moderator: 

Patrick Espinosa | Managing Partner, Sus Abogados Latinos

Panelists:

• Elena Boop | Chief Trial Counsel, The City of Cleveland Department of Law
• Matt Carroll | Senior Advisor for Strategic Initiatives, Cuyahoga County Department of Health and Human Services
• Anne Hill | President, American Making Immigrants Safe (AMIS)
• Karen Moss | Partner, Nicola, Gudbranson & Cooper, LLC

Learn about the impactful work being done by organizations dedicated to immigration and refugee support in Northeast Ohio.