Cabrini University recently launched the Center on Immigration, an academic, nonpartisan organization that promotes immigrant rights through research, education, and advocacy.

“Through the Center’s work, we will seek to transform the dominant narrative about immigration, amplify the voices and sentiments of those most directly impacted, and contest prevalent misconceptions,” said Abel Rodríguez, Faculty Director of the Center and Assistant Professor of Religion, Law, and Social Justice.

“At its core, the aim of the Center will be to work in solidarity with, and in service of, our immigrant communities.”

Established by a university founded by the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and named in honor of the patron saint of immigrants, St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, the Center will further the legacy of St. Cabrini, showcase how students and faculty have helped extend the work of the Missionary Sisters, and provide dedicated resources to enhance the university’s commitment moving forward.

Supporting Cabrini’s mission – Education of the Heart – the Center on Immigration will provide an additional opportunity for students to engage in the pursuit of social justice by seeking to advance the human rights and human dignity of people in migration.

“Perhaps there is no more important time and no more important place to be doing this work,” said Rodríguez.

The Center on Immigration is the second of four academic centers to open during Cabrini’s 60th anniversary year.