Critical Conversations is a major program series in which Spertus Institute brings together passionate speakers with opposing viewpoints for moderated debates inspired by Judaism’s embrace of civil discourse.

The 2019 topic is Immigration.

“Immigration has risen to the top of the list when Americans are asked to name the most important problem facing the nation.”
—GALLUP, July 2018

“Migration is the defining human rights issue of our time.”
—UN General Assembly, August 2018

As Jews, we have been refugees and immigrants, as well as citizens, workers, employers, and legislators, making the multiple facets of this incredibly complex subject a particularly relevant Spertus topic.

THIS YEAR'S PANEL

Bill Richardson was Governor of New Mexico from 2003 to 2010. A former diplomat who was recently nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, he has served as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Envoy to the Organization of American States, and Chairman of Freedom House, an organization that promotes human rights worldwide. Richardson, who was raised in Mexico, is a trustee of Refugees International. 

Ana Navarro is a GOP strategist and political commentator on CNN, CNN en Español, and ABC’s The View. She is a sought-after adviser, particularly on the issues of immigration reform and Hispanic outreach. She was born in Nicaragua, and in 1980, as a result of the Sandinista revolution, she and her family immigrated to the United States.

Rick Santorum is a Senior Political Commentator for CNN. He was a candidate for the Republican nomination for President in 2012 and 2016, a U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania from 1995 to 2007, and served for eight years on the Senate Armed Services Committee. A rule of law advocate, he is opposed to amnesty for undocumented immigrants in the United States.

Moderator Candy Crowley is the former Chief Political Correspondent for CNN. An Emmy and Edward R. Murrow Award-winning journalist, she is known for her nonpartisan, insider's look at the issues. For more than two decades, she has covered presidential, congressional, and gubernatorial elections, as well as major legislative developments on Capital Hill.

Critical Conversations is generously
funded by the late Eric Joss.

Spertus Institute is grateful for the
support of our sponsors and community partners:

Joan & John Gilchrist

Viki & Tom Rivkin

Valet parking will be available for this event
$20 (cash only)