WASHINGTON, D.C. - On Wednesday, February 10, Seyfarth partner Leon Rodriguez will testify before the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF). The hearing, "Refugees Fleeing Religious Persecution" is scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m. ET. To learn more and register for the webinar, click here.

The virtual hearing will discuss ways the US government can better protect and support individuals fleeing religious persecution through the US refugee resettlement program, the US asylum system, and overseas assistance. Witnesses will provide an overview of US refugee resettlement, asylum, and humanitarian aid policies and present recommendations for improving these programs to better protect the most vulnerable.

Rodriguez is an Immigration partner and a founding member of Seyfarth's Immigration and Compliance specialty team. He also serves as chair of Seyfarth's Government Relations and Policy practice group and is co-managing partner of the firm's Washington, D.C. office. Notably, Rodriguez served as the Director of US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), from 2014 to 2017, following more than a two decade career as a prosecutor, law firm partner, and government agency leader. From 2011 to 2014, he served as the Director of the US Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights.

Seyfarth's Government Relations and Policy practice group provides legal expertise to clients regarding the actions of Congress and federal, state, and local administrative agencies. Comprised of Seyfarth attorneys with government relations and policy experience, the team develops solutions for clients and provides ongoing education and advocacy on policy issues.