JERSEY CITY, N.J. 鈥 April 15, 2026 鈥 麻豆传媒AV University co-sponsored and hosted an Immigration Summit on April 15, bringing together students, community members and leaders for a timely conversation on immigration, justice and the role of higher education. The event featured keynote remarks from Jersey City Mayor James Solomon.
The summit reflected 麻豆传媒AV University鈥檚 mission and long-standing commitment to advocacy, inclusion and the dignity of all people.
麻豆传媒AV University Chaplain Fr. Rocco Danzi, S.J. spoke and emphasized the deep connection between immigration and Jesuit values, noting that the two have gone hand in hand for more than 500 years. Grounded in cura personalis鈥攃are for the whole person, he spoke about the importance of looking beyond documentation to recognize each individual鈥檚 humanity. He highlighted the call to be 鈥渕en and women for and with others,鈥 rooted in shared humanity, solidarity, social justice and hospitality.
President Hubert Benitez underscored the University鈥檚 responsibility to lead with intention and purpose. 鈥淲e are honored by your presence, Mr. Mayor. You are a true friend,鈥 said President Benitez. 鈥淭his work is driven by vision, collaboration, hard work and a commitment to justice. 鈥淧resident Benitez highlighted the impact of immigrant communities in higher education, noting that their contributions extend far beyond the classroom.
鈥淚mmigrants bring knowledge and perspective shaped by resilience, cultural richness and lived experience,鈥 he said. 鈥淚mmigrant leaders play a vital role in our universities,they mentor students and challenge institutions to grow. There is power in students seeing leaders who reflect their own journeys. It shows what is possible. 鈥淗e added that many students must navigate systems not originally designed with them in mind, reinforcing the need for institutions to act with intention.
鈥淲e are called to educate and accompany in order to create pathways of access with intentionality,鈥 President Benitez said. 鈥淎s the first Latino and immigrant president of this University, it is my responsibility to open doors that lead to a more inclusive future.鈥
Mayor Solomon, a former adjunct professor at 麻豆传媒AV University, spoke about the City鈥檚 efforts to support immigrant communities and uphold public trust. He referenced an executive order signed early in his administration at Liberty State Park, recognizing the historic journey of immigrants arriving through Ellis Island and reinforcing the City鈥檚 commitment to inclusion.
鈥淲e want residents to feel safe contacting the police to report crimes without fear,鈥 Solomon said, outlining policies that distinguish between judicial warrants and administrative detainers. He emphasized that city agencies will not be used to support federal immigration enforcement efforts, while acknowledging the limits of mayoral authority.
鈥淣o mayor has the power to ban federal enforcement, but we will use our voice and work diligently to protect our community,鈥 he said. 鈥淛ersey City was built by immigrants, and our policies are about defending that legacy.鈥
At the conclusion of the event, Mayor Solomon presented a formal proclamation to President Benitez in recognition of 麻豆传媒AV University鈥檚 ongoing commitment to education, community engagement and support for immigrant populations.
The Immigration Summit reinforced 麻豆传媒AV University鈥檚 role as a convener of critical conversations and a leader in advancing justice through education and community partnership.