One of the issues that has dominated the headlines in the United States is immigration and this administration’s approach to deportation. How do our Christian and Franciscan values serve as a guiding light in an issue that is complex and nuanced, yet at the same time crystal clear when it comes to human dignity and the importance of serving the margins? This episode's guest, Sister Suzanne Susany, OSF, of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities, is an immigration lawyer who lives and works in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. After a number of twists and turns in her career, Sister Suzanne attained a degree in law from Duquesne University in 2010. Sister Suzanne is on the front lines of immigration and deals first hand with migrants seeking refuge in the United States. In this candid conversation, Sister Suzanne shares her experiences as an immigration lawyer and the challenges she has faced the last two years. She shares how her Franciscan values animate her work and invites listeners to recover the soul of America as we approach its 250th birthday.

(00:00:01) Introduction

(00:04:33) Sister Suzanne's Franciscan and Legal Background

(00:11:39) Why Become an Immigration Attorney?

(00:13:53) If Our Immigration System had a Franciscan Heart

(00:19:46) Reflection No. 1: What is the Common Good?

(00:22:11) The Danger of Labeling

(00:28:13) Stories of Immigrants

(00:39:51) Reflection No. 2: Story as Spiritual Encounter

(00:43:21) Unprecedented Shifts in Immigration Law

(00:53:56) 2025: The Most Trying Year as an Immigration Attorney

(00:57:09) Why is this Happening?

(00:59:38) Reflection No. 3: America at 250

(01:03:16) ICE and Recovering the Soul of America

(01:11:09) Responding to Opposing Arguments

(01:19:17) What is Wrong with This Picture?

(01:23:39) America at 250 and the Brilliance of the Founding Fathers

(01:28:59) Looking Forward

(01:31:57) Conclusion

Suzanne Susany — Are We Losing the Soul of America?