A Conversation with Lucas Guttentag: Navigating the Immigration Landscape in 2025

By Meg Yoder, Capacity Building Americorps Member 2024-2025

At the Refugee and Immigrant Volunteer Summit (RAIVS) on February 22nd at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, attendees eagerly gathered after a snowstorm had canceled Friday’s sessions. Over a networking breakfast from Swanky Catering, policymakers, service providers, and volunteers united in their commitment to supporting immigrant and refugee communities. The room buzzed with anticipation for keynote speaker Professor Lucas Guttentag, a national leader in immigration law and policy. 

Guttentag’s address was both timely and essential, offering clarity amid growing uncertainty in immigration policy. He reminded us that while every wave of immigrants to our country has faced resistance, their resilience and pursuit of justice remain central to the fight for equality. As the founder of the ACLU Immigrants' Rights Project, he spent 25 years litigating landmark cases, including successful arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court, and has served in senior policy roles under multiple presidential administrations. Recognized as a Human Rights Hero by the American Bar Association, he also created the Immigration Policy Tracking Project, a widely used database on immigration policies. Guttentag, who currently teaches at Stanford and Yale law schools, provided a powerful look at the past and future of immigrant rights, inspiring attendees to stay engaged in the ongoing struggle for justice. 

Key Messages from Guttentag’s Speech 

Guttentag opened by reaffirming that we are a nation of immigrants, despite arguments to the contrary. He distinguished between “immigration” and “immigrants,” noting that while people may resist immigration as a concept, they often support the immigrants they know. To illustrate this historical tension, he quoted Benjamin Franklin’s disparaging remarks about German immigrants in the 1700s. He framed today’s challenges as a tension between enforcement-driven policies and the principles of justice and human dignity, emphasizing due process, fair application of the law, and thoughtful reform. 

Throughout his keynote, he underscored the human impact of immigration law. “Immigration law is not just about statutes and policies—it’s about people, families, and futures,” he said, shifting the debate from abstract policy to real lives. He also challenged misconceptions about crime, quoting a criminologist: “The safest place to live is an immigrant community.” Data continues to support this, showing lower crime rates in immigrant neighborhoods. 

Another powerful moment came when he stated, “The law is a tool—it can be used to protect or to harm. Our job is to ensure it is wielded for justice.” Amid the ever-shifting policy landscape, he has dedicated much of his recent career to managing the Immigration Policy Tracking Project—a comprehensive, nonpartisan database that documents changes in U.S. immigration policy across administrations. Used by advocates, researchers, and policymakers, it serves as a vital resource for tracking, analyzing, and understanding shifts in immigration policy and enforcement. 

Guttentag struck a balance between acknowledging the urgency of immigration challenges and instilling a sense of hope and progress. While he made it clear that the legal landscape is shifting in unpredictable ways, he emphasized that there has been significant progress for immigrant rights over the years and that with courage and persistence, even more change is still possible. Guttentag closed his speech with a message of resilience and collective action sharing the words of civil rights lawyer Haywood Burns, who reflected on the nature of the fight for justice saying, 

"There are those who say we will not win, that we are Sisyphus interminably pushing that rock up the hill, only to have it roll back down again… As for me, I don’t know. But it seems to me that principled people have no choice but to struggle. I do believe we can win if we just keep pushing that rock."  

Attendees were captivated by his words, leaning forward, taking notes, and reflecting on critical points. During a panel discussion with local immigration experts, panelists pressed him on key issues they have experienced in the greater Richmond area, from to best support families fearing ICE intervention, how policies will affect the refugee resettlement program, and whether deportations were a partisan issue or not. Guttentag reminded the audience that deportations under past administrations exceeded those in the current administration, highlighting the complexity of immigration policy across administrations. One of the most discussed questions from the audience was whether policymakers consider the economic cost of deportation. When asked how immigrants can protect themselves, his advice was clear: “Get a lawyer.” His ability to distill complex legal realities while keeping the focus on human impact made his keynote both informative and inspiring, reinforcing the urgency of advocacy and legal support in shaping fair immigration policies. 

The Lasting Impact 

Guttentag’s keynote at RAIVS left attendees energized, with his message of hope resonating deeply. One shared, “My big takeaway from Guttentag was hope. Our country has lurched back and forth on immigration like a tossing ship, but there is hope we will right the course and remain a beacon of welcome.”  With many attendees working directly in the area of newcomer support, his message sparked optimism, motivating them with a renewed sense of purpose to continue their work. 

Guttentag’s keynote reinforced ReEstablish Richmond’s core values—justice, human dignity, and equity. His call to stay engaged, informed, and persistent aligns with our mission to provide education, resources, and advocacy for refugees and immigrants. His thought-provoking question, “What kind of nation do we want to be?” challenges us to go beyond just welcoming newcomers—to actively support them. At ReEstablish Richmond, we answer that call through sustained commitment, collective action, and a vision of a more inclusive future. 

Conclusion 

The journey to support and uplift immigrant communities continues, but with leaders like Guttentag and the dedicated community represented at RAIVS, there is hope for meaningful change. It’s important for all of us to stay engaged—whether by learning more, volunteering, or advocating for those in need. As Guttentag reminds us, “You are pushing that rock. I applaud you—and I too believe we can win, if just keep pushing that rock.” His sentiment left us with a renewed sense of hope, knowing that every effort, no matter how small, makes a difference in creating a welcoming and supportive community.