Behind the Headlines: The Human Side of Immigration with William Hanna

This week on The Wayne Watson Podcast, Wayne is joined by longtime friend and veteran attorney William Hanna to converse about immigration and compassion, uncovering what it means to see the human story behind one of America’s most debated issues.

After more than three decades in complex civil litigation, William made the decision to shift his career toward immigration law, inspired by relationships formed while volunteering with refugee and immigrant families. Drawing from his experience representing clients seeking immigration relief, William helps unpack a legal system that is often far more complicated than headlines and soundbites suggest.

Wayne and William explore the differences between refugees and asylum seekers, and the realities facing families navigating the immigration process, before William share his belief that maintaining lawful borders and treating immigrants with dignity do not have to be opposing ideas. Their conversation turns toward faith as they consider what Scripture does—and does not—prescribe about immigration policy, while reflecting on the Christian responsibility to approach our neighbors with compassion, humility, and grace. Through personal stories of clients whose journeys have unfolded in unexpected ways, William offers a glimpse of the people behind the legal cases and the hope that can emerge even when the path forward looks uncertain.

00:00 Welcome to the Wayne Watson Podcast

02:22 Family Life: Three Kids and a Professional Golfer

12:05 From Civil Litigation to Immigration Law

17:36 Understanding Our Immigration System

22:18 A Lawful and Welcoming Nation

30:36 Refugees vs Asylum Seekers: What's the Difference

36:14 The History of Immigration Debate in America

41:15 Faith and the Immigrant: A Christian Response

45:06 Dexter's Story: When God's Timing is Perfect