‘Immigrant’ and ‘refugee’ legally do not mean the same thing, although the terms are often used interchangeably. The distinction matters, especially at this time of year, when the U.S. announces refugee totals for the following year. And the recently released number is small: just 17,500 compared to 92,000 before Trump. Our two guests work in refugee resettlement across religious lines: Beth Oppenheim runs the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, and Krish O’Mara Vignarajah runs Global Refuge. Each shares why this work matters and what religion and family history call us to do.

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Sister Norma Pimintel has worked at the Texas-Mexico border for decades. She has witnessed the struggles of immigrants, along with recent changes in immigration policy firsthand. With Catholic Charities, she has provided shelter, safety, and dignity. Hear what she wants you to know about how her resolve, faith and spirituality keep her going. This conversation was recorded live at TribFest 2026 and was sponsored by Religion News Service.

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How does a Buddhist monk deal with information overload and a world rife with misinformation? Brother Chân Pháp Dung gives us his techniques and insights.

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