Mary Meg McCarthy: Executive Director of National Immigrant Justice Center

Attorney Mary Meg McCarthy, executive director of Heartland Alliance’s National Immigrant Justice Center, will discuss the new realities of immigration for Chicago and for our nation. The busing of tens of thousands of migrants to our city has strained our resources, caused some to reconsider their positions, and also called out the best in our communities.

McCarthy will touch on how the federal and local governments are responding to the crisis and how "immigration fatigue" is taking its toll. She will also address how people of faith have been and can continue responding to this crisis. "We need to recognize these new arrivals as fellow human beings," she says, "and welcome them with compassion and mercy."

Mary Meg is the executive director of Heartland Alliance’s National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC), one of the nation’s foremost immigrant and human rights advocacy organizations. Under Mary Meg’s leadership, NIJC has become a leading organization dedicated to advancing justice for immigrants. Working with a pro bono network of 1,500 attorneys, NIJC provides counsel and representation to approximately 10,000 low income immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers each year. NIJC’s legal services inform its advocacy, litigation and educational initiatives to promote human rights locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.

An expert in immigration law, Mary Meg has testified before Congress and is often quoted in major news outlets such as MSNBC, The New York Times, and the Chicago Tribune. As an active member of the American Bar Association, Mary Meg chairs its Commission on Immigration. She is also a member of The Chicago Network, the American Immigration Lawyers Association, and the Chicago Bar Association, among others.

Prior to joining NIJC, Mary Meg practiced civil litigation and was an NIJC pro bono attorney. Earlier in her career, Mary Meg’s worked in communities throughout Chile as a Holy Cross Associate to help safeguard the rights of individuals under a dictatorship. She received her bachelor of business administration in finance from the University of Notre Dame and her doctor of law from Loyola University Chicago School of Law.

Reserve early. Reservations close Tuesday, April 2, 2024 @ 5 pm

The Speaker Luncheon Price per Ticket is as follows:

$50 for Members**

$60 for Non-Members

$600 - Purchase of One Table (Seating for 10 People)

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LUNCHEON LOCATION:

All meetings are held at The Union League Club - Presidents Hall on the 2nd floor at 65 West Jackson Blvd (1/2 block east of Clark). Upon entering the ULC, you will be directed to the check-in location.

THE UNION LEAGUE CLUB DRESS CODE:

The Union League Club Dress Code is Smart Casual, a relaxed, well-dressed look which may include jeans with no visible rips or tears, denim, and collared shirts. Athletic wear, tennis shoes, t-shirts or hats are not permitted.

PARKING AT THE UNION LEAGUE CLUB:

Valet Parking is available at Union League's Federal Street Entrance (no discount to attendees).

Discounted parking as low as $10 for All First Friday Club Attendees is available through the in the South Loop Self Park, 318 S. Federal St, Chicago (self parking in the garage on the northwest corner of Federal and Van Buren). For information on this special offer, click the following link: IPARKIT OPTION

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION:

The Club is just two blocks from the LaSalle Street Metra Station, six blocks from Union Metra Station and only blocks away from every EL station.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Union League Club - Presidents Hall, 2nd Floor, 65 West Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, United States