In April 2026, Civic Conversations welcomed Erin Aquino, Bloomington resettlement director for Exodus Refugee Immigration, to discuss immigration policies. Aquino explained Exodus Refugee's role in welcoming over 500 refugees to Bloomington, outlined constitutional rights of immigrants, described the complex roles of different government branches in immigration policy, and detailed ICE's operations and recent changes. The conversation covered how Indiana's state government has shifted toward more restrictive immigration policies. In addition, Aquino highlighted the economic and cultural contributions of immigrants, noting that refugees and immigrants contribute significantly to Medicaid, Social Security, and local businesses while committing fewer crimes than native-born citizens.
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