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2012

Archbishop Wenski Op-Ed in the Miami Herald: Why deny full American DREAM?
May 8, 2012
These young people were brought to this country by their parents — some as infants. They are totally at home in America. They speak English, and many have excelled in school. Our country has already invested in them through public education. As citizens they can contribute to the common good of the only country that most know. They think and act like Americans, why can’t we allow them to dream like Americans?

VIDEO: Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York and President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, discusses immigration and the GOP in a May 2, 2012, interview with Chris Jansing on MSNBC.

View the video

Cardinal Roger M. Mahony blogpost from Los Angeles: Immigration and U.S. Supreme Court
April 25, 2012
But the Justices cannot be oblivious to the implications and practical effects of the Arizona law. In my opinion, they simply must analyze the implications on individuals and their families when they render their final decision.
The Catholic Church will continue to stand with all of our immigrant brothers and sisters, regardless of legal residency, and will continue our efforts to extend earned paths to legal residency for all categories of these people.

As Supreme Court Considers Arizona Law, Faith Leaders Call Upon President, Congress To Reassert Authority on Immigration Law
April 24, 2012
WASHINGTON—In letters sent April 24, on the eve of oral arguments to the Supreme Court on Arizona’s immigration law, 15 religious leaders urged President Barack Obama and the 112th Congress to “reassert your authority” and move to enact immigration reform legislation “as soon as possible.”
The national faith leaders expressed concern that, because of its inaction on this issue for several years, the federal government is implicitly transferring “unprecedented authority” to state and local governments to implement immigration policy, to the “detriment of our nation and our local communities.”
Read the letters to the President and to Congress | Read the USCCB testimony to the Senate Immigration Subcommittee | Read the USCCB amicus brief | See Cardinal Mahony after the Supreme Court session

Op-Ed by Archbishop José H. Gomez in the Washington Post regarding the Supreme Court and its consideration of Arizona's SB 1070
April 24, 2012
"Human dignity not up for debate."

Cardinal Roger M. Mahony blogpost from Los Angeles: Meeting with Pope Benedict XVI
April 21, 2012
My report to the Holy Father centered on the issue of immigration and the current phenomenon of world-wide migration. Some 212 million people are on the move around the world, most of them fleeing various threats and deprivations: wars, terrorism, famine, political unrest, and the search for a place of peace and opportunity for their families.

Minnesota Catholic Bishops Renew Their Call for Comprehensive Immigration Reform
April 12, 2012
In the 1,300-word statement, “Unlocking the Gate in Our Hearts,” Minnesota’s Catholic bishops have joined their voice with their brother bishops around the country to encourage reform of the nation’s immigration laws. Due to the nation’s broken system, several states, most prominently Arizona and Alabama, have recently tried to address the problem by enacting their own policies. Minnesota has been considering similar enforcement measures. The bishops generally oppose these efforts.
Read more | Read the Minnesota Catholic Bishops' statement | En Español

U.S. Bishops, Other Denominations File Amicus Curiae Brief in Supreme Court Case of Arizona vs. United States
March 27, 2012
Citing numerous examples of federal immigration policies designed to further family unity and human dignity, the brief argued that Arizona’s SB 1070 is not a solution to the problems in federal law and in fact creates more problems than it solves.
Excerpts from the brief | Q & A | Read the entire brief

Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop Gomez Urge Congressional Leaders To Build Consensus On Immigration Reform
March 22, 2012
“Passage of immigration reform is more important now than ever, as state laws and local enforcement initiatives are filling the policy vacuum left by Congress,” the bishops wrote in a letter to House Speaker John Boehner, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and the Minority Leaders of both chambers. “This has created a patchwork of laws and policies throughout the country which has led to discord in our communities.”
En Español | Read the Letter

VIDEO: Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles reflecting on immigration in an
introduction to the USCCB document, Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, the call to political responsibility issued by the U.S. bishops in 2007 and reissued last fall.

View the video.

National Catholic Reporter: Cardinal says America must understand its immigrant past and future
March 19, 2011
He quoted the instruction in Leviticus, "You shall treat the alien who resides with you no differently than the natives born among you," and the parable Jesus presents of the final judgment in Matthew's Gospel, when God says to those being welcomed into heaven, "I was a stranger and you welcomed me."

Bishop Mitchell T. Rozanski of the Archdiocese of Baltimore: We need comprehensive immigration reform, not 'Secure Communities' program.
March 5, 2012
Programs such as Secure Communities, regardless of aim, are succeeding in spreading fear and division and in threatening the stability of the family. Moreover, the program is altering the relationship between federal immigration enforcement and local law enforcement.
The Catholic Church's concern for the welfare of migrants stems from its belief that immigration is ultimately a humanitarian issue because it impacts the basic human rights and dignity of the human person. The Church believes this dignity is undermined by this program's alleged channeling of immigrants into the criminal justice system through racial profiling and pre-textual arrests for the purpose of vetting them for their immigration status. Because Secure Communities is operated at the point of arrest, rather than post-conviction, it casts a wide net over virtually any immigrant who has come into contact with the criminal justice system.

Video: Cardinal Roger M. Mahony on Fox News
March 5, 2012
"We all benefit by this relatively small amount of money helping these families, and helping them get up and out of poverty."

Comments by Bishop Joseph Latino of the Diocese of Jackson, Mississippi prior to Catholic Day at the Capitol on Wednesday, February 29, 2012.
February 2012
Surely public issues such as the welfare of children and immigration, as well as the myriad of other challenges facing our state have strong moral dimensions. Indeed the well-being of children should be at the forefront of all legislation. Current proposed immigration legislation will adversely affect children and families. As Catholics we must always defend the dignity of the human person and the dignity of the family.

Bishops Urge Congress To Protect The Life And Dignity Of Jobless And Working Poor
February 9, 2012
As they negotiate the details of the Temporary Payroll Tax Cut Continuation Act, Congress should find ways to assure continuation of Unemployment Insurance Benefits and reject proposals to exclude children of hard working immigrant families from the Child Tax Credit, said Bishop Stephen E. Blaire of Stockton, California, chairman of the Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).
“The economy is still leaving too many people without work.” wrote Bishop Blaire in a February 9 letter to Congressman Dave Camp and Senator Max Baucus, who are heading the conference committee responsible for crafting a final agreement. “When the economy fails to generate sufficient jobs, there is a moral obligation to help protect the life and dignity of unemployed workers and their families. We also must protect those programs that help low-income workers escape poverty and raise their children in dignity.”
The full text of Bishop Blaire’s letter.

National Catholic Reporter: Conference provides strategies to work on immigration law and policy
February 3, 2012
Speakers came from the Department of Homeland Security, the Center for Migration Studies in New York, the Washington, D.C.-based CLINIC, the National Immigration Law Center in Los Angeles, and other immigration offices, as well as directors from
Catholic conferences, Catholic Charities and diocesan offices.

Catholic San Francisco: Archdiocese backs bill to ensure more humane policy on deportations
January 31, 2012
“It is important that we keep working to change the policies that hurt our people,” said Archbishop George Niederauer. “We cannot rest until the laws of our country reflect the laws of God. We cannot allow the pain of family separation and the fear amongst our communities to continue. We need to respect the dignity of our brothers and sisters, undocumented or not.”

Statement from the Bishops of the State of Mississippi on Immigration to Governor Phil Bryant and the Mississippi State Legislature
January 21, 2012
While we do not deny the legitimacy of concern for laws that are broken and for any behavior that threatens our national security, we, however, do not consider the search for employment, decent housing, and secure family units to be a threat to our society or our security.

Welcome address by Bishop John C. Wester at the USCCB Immigration Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah
January 11, 2012
I would like to welcome all of you to Utah and thank you for making the effort to come to this conference. This is a wonderful way to celebrate National Migration Week as we join with so many others throughout our country in giving witness to the tremendous contributions our immigrants make to our nation.

Rejoicing in Diversity: Colorfully clad members of cultural, ethnic groups gather for the annual Migration Mass in the Archdiocese of Miami
January 9, 2012

Archbishop Wenski's homily at the annual Migration Mass in Miami: "We are one family – brothers and sisters of one Father."
January 8, 2012
We must continue to advocate for a just and equitable reform of a broken immigration system that continues to separate families for unacceptable periods of time and that provides no path to citizenship for millions who work in jobs that otherwise would have gone unfilled.
We will defend the rights of refugees and asylum seekers for a safe haven from perse-cution and violence. And, because every child of God should feel at home in his Father’s house, as a Catholic community, we will continue to assure that — in our pastoral care and outreach to the newcomers among us — we will speak their Mother’s tongue.
If Catholics are to be a light to the nations, we must model what a reconciled world looks like to us. We have to show that diversity enriches the Church and does not divide her — for our communion in Christ is greater than anything that could ever divide us.

Archbishop Wenski of Miami: We need to do more for those fleeing 'modern day Herods.'
January 2, 2012
En Español

2011

Letter from the Hispanic/Latino Bishops to Immigrants
December 12, 2011
“In your suffering faces we see the true face of Jesus Christ,” the bishops wrote. “We are well aware of the great sacrifice you make for your families’ well-being. Despite your contributions to the well-being of our country, instead of receiving our thanks, you are often treated as criminals because you have violated current immigration laws.”
En Español | Read More

A Pastoral Letter on Immigration from the Catholic Bishops of Wisconsin: Traveling Together in Hope
December 12, 2011
Over the course of 2000 years, the Catholic Church has developed a special expertise in the area of immigration. Our universal Church has observed and participated in migrations all across the globe. We have helped millions of immigrants – Catholic and non-Catholic – to prosper in new lands. We have done so and will continue to do so because we see the image and likeness of God in every human being. From the Prophets to recent papal teaching, the Church has a consistent message:
welcome the stranger (Mt 25:35).
We recognize that Catholics, all in good conscience, hold differing views about U.S. immigration policy. We also know that many are dissatisfied with the status quo and are looking for a workable solution. Our Catholic teaching provides important principles to guide us. | En Español
Read more: Q & A on Immigration from the Catholic Bishops of Wisconsin | En Español

Welcoming Christ in the Migrant: National Migration Week 2012 to be Celebrated January 8-14.
December 8, 2011
The observance of National Migration Week was begun over a quarter century ago by the U.S. bishops to provide Catholics an opportunity to take stock of the wide diversity of peoples in the Church and the ministries serving them. As the face of the local church continues to change, educational materials produced for National Migration Week have become increasingly important. They can be used throughout the year by individuals, families, schools and parishes to learn about the complex issues surrounding migration.
Resources for National Migration Week can be found on the USCCB website at http://www.usccb.org/about/migration-and-refugee-services/national-migration-week/
En Español

Pope prays for migrants, encourages international assistance
December 5, 2011
Pope Benedict XVI expressed concern for the millions of migrants around the world, and encouraged the agencies trying to help them. "I entrust to the Lord all those who, often forcibly, must leave their homeland, or who are stateless," the pope said at his noon blessing Dec. 4.

Message of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees (2012): Migration and the New Evangelization
Christian communities are to pay special attention to migrant workers and their families by accompanying them with prayer, solidarity and Christian charity, by enhancing what is reciprocally enriching, as well as by fostering new political, economic and social planning that promotes respect for the dignity of every human person, the safeguarding of the family, access to dignified housing, to work and to welfare.
En Español | Read the Catholic News Service article

Southern California Public Radio: Why it's so hard to obtain legal status, even through marriage and family
November 25, 2011
Q: The families of these people who can’t adjust immigration status – including their U.S. citizen spouses, children – live in a sort of mixed-status limbo. Is there anything that families like these can do to change their situation?
A: Not under the current structure of the law. It effectively bars anyone who has been here unlawfully for more than 6 months. By requiring the person to leave the U.S. to get the immigrant visa, and then barring them for years once they leave, the law includes an ugly Catch-22. You need to leave to get a visa, but once you leave you're ineligible for the visa for 10 years.

University of Notre Dame Alumni E-Newsletter: Cardinal Mahony Focused on Immigration
November 2011
As a child in California, Cardinal Roger Mahony was deeply affected by the hard circumstances of migrant workers, watching the border patrol question employees of his family’s poultry business and backbreaking labor be rewarded with few dollars.
The former archbishop of Los Angeles carried those experiences with him through his career and has decided to make immigration reform the center of his life after retirement.

Archbishop Edwin F. O’Brien of Baltimore: Bumper-Sticker Ethics?
November 10, 2011
Most of us can agree that the rule of law is the foundation of a civilized society and that we must not encourage illegal behavior by people who knowingly break the law. However, we can also agree that the solution to our country’s broken immigration system is not to penalize undocumented children who were brought here by their parents. Denying these young people, who have worked hard and have much to offer, the same chance as their classmates to gain access to a college education will deny all of society the benefit of ensuring that they can one day achieve their dream of becoming valued and productive members of our community.
View the article

A Reflection on Illegal Immigration from Catholic and Protestant Bishops in Kansas
November 9, 2011
And why would we be anything but welcoming and helpful, remembering our personal and national stories? A yet stronger motive is given in the teachings of Jesus: “[I was] a stranger and you welcomed me … whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:35, 40). “Love one another as I have loved you,” Jesus says (see John 13:34).

USCCB Chairman Applauds New Deportation Policy, Encourages Expeditious Implementation That Focuses On Immigrant Families, Youth
September 29, 2011
The decision embodies the kind of common-sense, compassionate immigration policies that can serve to simultaneously enforce federal immigration law while respecting the dignity and vulnerabilities of the migrants in our midst,” Archbishop Gomez said. “We urge you to implement this policy expeditiously and in concert with [our] priority recommendations.”

Cincinnati Enquirer: DREAM Sabbath campaign pushes for immigration reform
September 18, 2011
The Dream Sabbath movement has support in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. “We recognize that nations have a need and right to regulate the flow of migrants into the country; this is a matter of social justice in itself,” said Tony Stieritz, director of the archdiocese’s Catholic Social Action Office. “At the same time this right for nations to regulate migrants must be balanced with the right of migrants to go wherever they need to in order to provide for their life and human dignity as well, as that of their own family. We also recognize that the family unit is the pinnacle of human society and organization. The Dream Act is most important in all of this because we recognize that the Dreamers throughout this country have known no other home than this country.”

Migration Committee Chair Expresses Support For Alabama Bishops’ Efforts To Reverse Unjust State Immigration Law
September 8, 2011
On behalf of the U.S. Catholic bishops, I offer my solidarity with and support to Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi, archbishop of Mobile, AL, and Bishop Robert J. Baker, bishop of Birmingham, AL,—in close collaboration with other religious leaders of the State—in their efforts to turn back a State law which would threaten the ministry of the Church in Alabama to undocumented immigrants.
The Catholic Church provides pastoral and social services to all persons, regardless of their immigration status. Our mandate is to provide for the pastoral and social care of all of God’s children. Government should not infringe upon that duty, as America’s founding fathers made clear in the U.S. Constitution.
En Español

The New York Times Editorial: The Nation's Cruelest Immigration Law
August 28, 2011
What is remarkable in Alabama is the separate lawsuit by the four church leaders, who say the law violates their religious freedoms to perform acts of charity without regard to the immigration status of those they minister to or help. “The law,” Archbishop Thomas Rodi of Mobile said in The Times, “attacks our core understanding of what it means to be a church.”

Bishop Joseph Galante of Camden, NJ: Why the DREAM Act transcends politics
August 25, 2011
Some wonder why church leaders speak out on what are often considered merely political issues. However, what are called political issues really affect people, their lives, their present and their future. These issues do not exist in a vacuum detached from human beings.
So very often what are seen as mere “political” issues touch upon moral concerns. Religious leaders have a responsibility to teach about what is just, right and moral. Such issues are not spoken of because of a particular political party affiliation but rather because they touch the lives of so many people.

Detroit Free Press Editorial: Create a path for illegal immigrants to be made whole
August 15, 2011
Michigan's seven Catholic bishops have called for federal immigration reform and support of undocumented people in statements sent to elected officials and Catholics across the state. Given the vitriol surrounding the issue of illegal immigration, the bishops took a courageous stand in support of humane and practical policies toward illegal immigrants.

Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles in L'Osservatore Romano: Immigration and the `Next America´perspectives from our history
August 11, 2011
As Catholics who are faithful citizens in America we have to answer these questions within a larger frame of reference. As Catholics, we have to always remember that there is more to the life of any nation than the demands of the moment in politics, economics and culture. We have to consider all of those demands and the debates about them in light of God’s plan for the nations.
This is a big challenge for us in this culture. Our culture pushes us to “privatize” our faith, to separate our faith from our life in society. We always have to resist that temptation. We are called to live our faith in our businesses, homes and communities, and in our participation in public life. That means we have to bring a Catholic faith perspective to this debate about immigration. We cannot just think about this issue as Democrats or Republicans or as liberals or conservatives.

Detroit Free Press Guest Commentary by Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron: Everyone deserves to be treated well
August 6, 2011
Our nation certainly has the right to regulate its own borders to control immigration, but those borders must be regulated with justice and mercy, as people have a God-given right to migrate when necessary to sustain their lives and their families.

Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles addressing the delegates at the 129th Knights of Columbus National Conference
August 3, 2011
I am not a politician. I am a pastor of souls — and an American citizen. That is my perspective on these issues. As pastor of the largest Catholic community in the United States, I am deeply affected by our nation’s immigration policy crisis. Historically, the Catholic Church has always been a Church of immigrants — just as America has always been a nation of immigrants. American Catholics form one spiritual family drawn from some 60 ethnic and national groups from every continent. In the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, ministry and worship is conducted in 42 languages.

Statement of Bishop Robert J. Baker of Birmingham on Alabama's Immigration Law
August 1, 2011
The law prohibits almost every activity of our Catholic Social Services. If it involves an undocumented immigrant, it is illegal to give the disabled person a ride to the doctor; give food or clothing or financial assistance in an emergency; allow them to shop at our thrift stores or to learn English; it is illegal to counsel a mother who has a problem pregnancy, or to help her with baby food or diapers thus making it far more likely that she will choose abortion.
En Español

Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi of Mobile: Alabama Churches Unite to Halt Anti-Immigration Law
August 1, 2011
This law attacks our very understanding of what it means to be a Christian.

Michigan Roman Catholic Bishops' Statement on Immigration
July 19, 2012
While these national immigration problems must be resolved, it is unfair and mistaken to blame the undocumented for problems more accurately attributed to a failed policy. The federal government has the responsibility to enact and enforce laws that treat migrant peoples with the same dignity as its native-born citizens.
En Español

Washington Post: How will Catholics approach immigration reform?
July 14, 2011
Today, the issue that – at least on paper – unites both the Retro and the Purpose-Driven Catholics of right and left political leanings is immigration reform. The Catholic Church counts on a series of important episcopal statements and continuing lobbying efforts to achieve legislation that would reform the unworkable policies of the present.

Op-Ed by Bishop John C. Wester: Immigration Enforcement
July 8, 2011
There is no disagreement that effective enforcement of the law should be a central component of our national immigration policy. Indeed, the Catholic Church believes that enforcement of our immigration laws is a vital component of any workable immigration system. The question is how this enforcement is implemented, as sound and humane public policy should protect the God-given dignity of the human person, regardless of their legal status.

USCCB Statement on the DREAM Act as submitted to the Senate Judiciary Committee - Subcommittee on Immigration, Refugees and Border Security
June 28, 2011
In the absence of comprehensive immigration reform, DREAM Act-eligible children are among the most vulnerable of the unauthorized population in the United States. We have a choice as a nation – either to ensure that these capable and patriotic long-term members of U.S. society fulfill their promise and serve our country or to separate them from their families and communities and return them to nations they do not know. It is morally incumbent upon us as a nation to choose the former, not the latter.

POLITICO Op-Ed by Archbishop Thomas Wenski of Miami: Immigration reform must find balance
May 24, 2011
What are the human costs of this federal inaction? Immigrant families — many with U.S.-citizen children — are being separated; the effective working relationships and trust that once existed between immigrant neighborhoods and local law enforcement have been seriously eroded. Should federal reform be shelved indefinitely and state and local enforcement continue unchecked, the nation’s social fabric will begin to tear — to the detriment of all Americans.

Cardinal Roger M. Mahony blogpost from Los Angeles: U.S. Supreme Court and Immigration
May 18, 2011
All the Supreme Court did on May 26 was to nibble around the edges of our completely out-dated system to balance the need for workers with the supply for those workers.

Vatican Radio interview: Out of the shadows
May 18, 2011
President Obama wants to fix what he's termed the U.S.'s "broken" immigration system to provide a pathway to American citizenship for around 11 million illegal immigrants. But what are the chances of this happening and and what impact is the current system having upon the lives of those undocumented migrants hiding in the shadows of American society? To find out more, Susy Hodges spoke to a representative of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Listen to the interview

Cardinal Roger M. Mahony blogpost from Los Angeles: New opportunity for Congress to act on immigration reform
May 12, 2011
Congress has the opportunity to take action on two pieces of legislation which will greatly assist two large groups of people. The first is to consider and pass in the House and Senate the DREAM Act and AgJOBS. The first has already been introduced, and the second will be introduced shortly.

USCCB and the JFI campaign mentioned by the President in his remarks at the National Hispanic Prayer Breakfast
May 12, 2011

Bishops’ Migration Chairman Urges President and Congress to Act on Comprehensive Immigration Reform
May 6, 2011
Archbishop Gomez said that immigration reform is long overdue and requires bipartisan cooperation and leadership. “Congress and the President have a responsibility to come together to enact reform that corrects this humanitarian problem, respects the dignity and hard work of our immigrant brothers and sisters, and reflects America’s proud history as a hospitable society and a welcoming culture.”

Archbishop Edwin F. O’Brien of Baltimore, MD: Movement’s Dark Origins Exposed
April 28, 2011
While there are legitimate concerns about the extent of illegal immigration in our nation, we must also be wary of an anti-immigration movement afoot in our country, including right here in Maryland, that is fueled in large part by a man who has spent much of his life, albeit it at a great distance, playing on people’s fears and prejudices to advance his own racist and classist agenda.

Cardinal Roger M. Mahony blogpost from Los Angeles: President Obama and Immigration Reform
April 20, 2011
The President is the one person in our country who can begin to bring together a consensus on immigration reform. But we need to move beyond demagoguery and global assertions about various immigrant groups.

Bishop John C. Wester attends White House immigration meeting
April 19, 2011
A Utah-born, common-ground approach to fixing America's broken immigration system was part of a White House discussion Tuesday and mya serve as a model in moving the dicey debate forward. John Wester, bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City and an architect of the Utah Compact, was one of the leaders invited to the meeting that included President Barack Obama and a bevy of Cabinet heads.

Texas Capital-Area Bishops Advocate for Immigrants
April 13, 2011
In an unprecedented gathering of interfaith religious leaders, Capital Area bishops and clergy held a press conference today to call on legislators to oppose measures that would harm immigrant families.
En Español

Statement of Most Reverend José H. Gomez, Archbishop of Los Angeles and Chair U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Migration on the H-2A Visa Program Submitted to The House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration Policy and Enforcement
April 13, 2011
All agricultural workers – those here both temporarily and permanently – are entitled to safe working conditions, adequate housing, a living wage and benefits for themselves and their families, and the opportunity to become permanent members of U.S. society.
Because of this, Mr. Chairman, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops opposes any expansion of the current H-2A nonimmigrant worker program and instead supports reform through AgJOBS.

Alabama Catholic Bishops' Joint Statement on Immigration
April 12, 2011

Deseret News (Salt Lake City): Illegal immigration bills not in accord with Utah Compact, Bishop Wester says
April 8, 2011
While commending lawmakers and Gov. Gary Herbert for recognizing the value of immigrant workers and families, The Most Rev. John C. Wester said their political strategy poses severe risks for that "vulnerable" population.

Testimony of Ambassador Johnny Young, Executive Director, Migration and Refugee Services - U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, on the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program Before The House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration Policy and Enforcement
April 5, 2011
The U.S. Catholic Bishops ask that Congress maintain lawful avenues for immigration to the United States and continue to prioritize the diversification of our immigrant pool. The Diversity Immigrant Visa is an important facet of both our domestic and foreign policy objectives. If we are truly concerned about the rule of law, the wholesale elimination of legal avenues for immigration, such as the Diversity Visa, is not the answer.

Oklahoma Catholic Church leaders speak out on immigration
March 29, 2011
Immigration should be the responsibility of federal lawmakers, and laws passed should treat the undocumented humanely and with dignity, respecting the disadvantaged, families and children, says a statement released by Catholic Church leaders in Oklahoma.

ETHICSDAILY.com: Catholic Bishop Brings Moral Direction, Common Sense to Immigration Reform
March 23, 2011
Bishop Anthony Taylor, Diocese of Little Rock.

Video of an immigration conference sponsored by USCCB and Catholic University:
The Catholic Church and Immigration: Pastoral, Policy and Social Perspectives
March 22, 2011
On March 21, 2011, the USCCB and CUA co-sponsored a one day conference titled
The Catholic Church and Immigration: Pastoral, Policy and Social Perspectives.
A video of the event is available for viewing here. Please see the conference program for more information about the agenda, speakers and discussion topics.

Immigration conference sponsored by USCCB and Catholic University:
The Catholic Church and Immigration: Pastoral, Policy and Social Perspectives
March 21, 2011, 9 A.M. - 4 P.M.
Join us for a conference co-sponsored by The Catholic University of America and The Office of Migration Policy and Public Affairs, USCCB. This day long event will examine the past and present relationship between the Church and Immigration. Attendance is free of charge and includes breakfast and lunch. Follow the link above for more information about the agenda, speakers, registration, etc.
For those of you who are unable to attend the Conference in person, we will be streaming it live online at http://live.cua.edu/

Bishop of Providence, Rhode Island delivers keynote at Brown University conference on immigration
March 12, 2011
The Most Rev. Thomas J. Tobin delivered a keynote address on Saturday March 12 at a conference hosted by Brown University: Immigrants and Immigration in the 21st Century. The purpose of the conference was to bring together academics, political leaders, business people and the advocacy and social services world in a constructive discussion of immigration issues.
Read Bishop Tobin's keynote address

Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC): Honoring Cardinal Roger Mahony - A Champion for Immigrants
March 4, 2011

Pastoral Statement on Immigration by the Catholic Bishops of Georgia
March 3, 2011
We reiterate our call to the members of the Georgia General Assembly, to our Catholic constituents and to all people of good will to speak out in support of comprehensive, federal immigration reform legislation consistent with the values of faith and family that we profess.
En Español

Catholic Healthcare West - Resolution to Action: Comprehensive Immigration Reform
March 2011
CHW and our Corporate Members call our nation’s elected officials to enact comprehensive immigration reform that establishes a safe and humane immigration system consistent with our values. Our faith tradition teaches us to welcome our brothers and sisters with love and compassion. CHW calls for a just immigration system because each day in our hospitals and through our health care ministries CHW witnesses the economic and human consequences of an outmoded system.

Archbishop Edwin F. O’Brien of Baltimore, MD: Immigration a Test of Faith
February 25, 2011
As people of faith, we are called each day to rely on the Holy Spirit to guide us in all our decisions. At the same time, as citizens, we are called to live by the laws and civil order of our state and country. In following the law of the land as faithful Catholics, we must abide, respect and protect our civil law, order and system of justice. Yet, we must remember that, above all, we are called to a higher natural law of love and human dignity. This higher natural law that Christ has given us is the supreme and one truth: that God is love itself, truth itself, and that we are – each and every one of us – His children, who literally and figuratively form the very body of Christ himself. This is not a platitude; rather it is the eternal truth.

Bishop John C. Wester of Salt Lake City: Many roadblocks exist to legal immigration
February 25, 2011
That is why I join my fellow U.S. Catholic Bishops in support of comprehensive immigration reform at the federal level. We believe that immigrants should come to our country legally but continue to point out that our current laws do not allow families to be reunified in a timely manner and do not reflect our demand for labor.

Help Fight Drastic Cuts to Funding for Refugees. Your help is needed!
Take Action NOW: Contact your Senators and Representative by e-mail, phone, FAX or U.S. Mail:

Call the U.S. Capitol switchboard at: 202-224-3121, or call your Members’ local offices.
View a sample letter that you can print and send to your federal lawmaker.
Send an e-mail that has the sample letter in it.
Additional contact info can be found on Members’ web sites at: www.senate.gov and www.house.gov.
Share this action alert with your social media networks.

Problem: As Congress negotiates a spending bill for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2011, it is imperative that you weigh in with your Senators and urge them to oppose drastic cuts to funding for refugees and other vulnerable populations in the U.S and abroad. The House-passed FY 2011 budget would make deep cuts in refugee admissions, overseas refugee assistance, and refugee resettlement programs.
With regard to refugee admissions and overseas refugee assistance, the House-passed budget would cut fiscal year 2011 funding for those programs by $827 million, constituting a 45% reduction in 2011 funding relative to 2010. For refugee resettlement, trafficking victim assistance, torture victim assistance, and the care of unaccompanied alien children, the House-passed budget would reduce funding available to those programs by $77 million, a reduction of 10.5%.
The Catholic Church has long advocated on behalf of refugee populations. In his most recent World Day of Migrants and Refugees message, Pope Benedict XVI declared that “welcoming refugees and giving them hospitality is for everyone an imperative gesture of human solidarity, so that they may not feel isolated because of intolerance and disinterest. This means that those who are forced to leave their homes or their country will be helped to find a place where they may live in peace and safety …” (http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/messages/migration/documents/hf_ben-xvi_mes_20100927_world-migrants-day_en.html). For this reason, we urge you to let your Senators and Members know that refugee protection is an important humanitarian priority and that cuts of this magnitude would have devastating effects on their constituents and programs within their districts. A 45% reduction in funding for refugee admissions and overseas assistance would leave refugees without vital support and could also lead to increased instability in countries where displaced people currently receive U.S. assistance.

Jackson, Mississippi: Day of Prayer and Fasting for Just Immigration Reform
February 14, 2011
As Bishop of the Diocese of Jackson, I reiterate my previous statements in union with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, that we need a national comprehensive immigration policy change rooted in justice and the dignity of the human person. Our fellow human beings, fellow Christians and in most cases our fellow Catholics walk in fear and are being pushed to the margins of life. This is occurring because of very specific decisions and actions on the part of some, albeit, well- intentioned people; as well as silence, on the part of many good people.
En Español

Sioux Falls, South Dakota: Statement on Immigration by Bishop Paul J. Swain
February 13, 2011
It is inviting to discuss this issue in generalities and impersonally. The fact however is that every immigrant, legal or not, is a person gifted by God with life and deserving of being treated with dignity. Further, every immigrant is born of a family whose bonds stretch across borders and citizenships. All of us must be held accountable for choices we have made, but all of us should also be allowed appropriate due process and afforded the proper respect as a human person.
It is important to recall our history. We are a nation of immigrants. The histories of our state and diocese are filled with heroic stories of those who came from many countries, some welcomed and some not, endured significant sacrifice and hardship, but with faith in God and by living Gospel values, persevered.

Testimony of Most Reverend José H. Gomez, Coadjutor Archbishop of Los Angeles and Chair, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Migration on The National Employer Electronic Verification System (E-VERIFY) Before The House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration Policy and Enforcement
February 10, 2011
First, and foremost, we urge lawmakers to not consider mandating the expanded use of E-Verify unless they do so as part of a comprehensive immigration reform bill. As I have stated previously, the U.S. Catholic Bishops believe that comprehensive reform, including a broad legalization program and the expansion of legal avenues for low-skilled workers to enter the United States lawfully, is a moral, economic, and policy imperative.

Los Angeles Bishops: U.S. immigration system 'immoral'
February 10, 2011
In speeches the same day, Los Angeles' cardinal and its coadjutor archbishop talked about immigration in the United States, with one calling some of the rhetoric about the issue "not worthy of the Gospel," and the other saying the current system "is an immoral system that thrives upon the weakness and suffering of those without a voice."

Cardinal Roger M. Mahony blogpost from Los Angeles: Tragic waste of our youth and our money
February 9, 2011
The failure of the U.S. Senate to pass the DREAM Act on December 18, 2010 was a tragedy on two counts: first, thousands of young men and women have concluded their college/university studies, and they are now prepared to get jobs which will help our economy recover and thrive; but without legal residence status, they are barred from using their education.

Deportations to Haiti Should Be Halted, Say USCCB Migration Committee Chair and Chairman of Catholic Relief Services
February 7, 2011
Now is not the time to resume deportations to Haiti, nor would it be morally or politically appropriate to do so in the foreseeable future. To continue deportations in the face of such conditions would represent a knowing disregard for the life and dignity of Haitians scheduled for deportation.

Bishop Robert W. Finn, Diocese of Kansas City - St. Joseph: Immigration laws require 'expanded vision'
February 5, 2011
We ought not to be satisfied with the present circumstance of the undocumented migrant until our leaders work harder to reform immigration in our country. The law of human dignity, and the integrity and protection of families, must be able to live side by side with meaningful border controls and a responsible and obtainable path to
citizenship. Immigration reform is a volatile issue in our country and, true enough, elected officials are caught in the divide. But we must be willing to work hard in support of meaningful reform.
Read Bishop Finn's Homily for the Mass at the Immigration Conference.

Cardinal Roger Mahony, Archbishop of Los Angeles, speaking at the University of North Carolina -Chapel Hill, on why America needs immigration reform
February 2, 2011
I would like to begin, then, by telling three short stories: In August 2008, a young woman and her three young children aged 14, 10 and 6, were driving from their home in Western North Carolina to visit their father, who was working in Maryland. At 2 a.m., they were stopped by a sheriff’s deputy on Interstate 85. The officer arrested the woman, an undocumented immigrant from Honduras, for driving without a license. The children were left on the side of the road as the police car drove off with their mother. They spent the next nine hours hiding in the bushes alongside the highway—scared, exhausted and distraught—until their father arrived from Maryland to rescue them.
Read More | Video

Local faith leaders asked to see God in faces of immigrants
February 1, 2011
When the Holy Family fled to Egypt, baby Jesus was a refugee, a crowd of religious faithful heard Monday. As Mary and Joseph trekked toward Bethlehem, they were migrants seeking hospitality in a foreign land.

Testimony of Most Reverend José H. Gomez, Coadjutor Archbishop of Los Angeles and Chair, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Migration Before the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration Policy and Enforcement
January 26, 2011
The U.S. Catholic Bishops do not believe that "enforcement only" immigration policies will humanely resolve the policy dilemma created by an increasing number of unauthorized immigrants in the United States. Rather, we support comprehensive immigration reform to fix what has become a broken system. Such reform would include: an earned legalization program for foreign nationals of good moral character; the reform of the family-based immigration system; a revamped temporary worker regime that protects both workers who would come to the United States and U.S. citizen workers; the restoration of immigrants' due process rights; and an effort to meaningfully address the root causes of migration, such as under-development and poverty in sending countries.

Statement of Cardinal Mahony, Archbishop of Los Angeles, on his retirement
January 16, 2011
Over the years immigrant peoples have become very dear to me, and Jesus continues to call me to walk with them on their journey. I intend to spend the coming months and years walking in solidarity with the 11,000,000 immigrants who have come to the United States to improve their own lives and the life of our country and to advocate on behalf of the silent millions. In a special way I look forward to collaborating closely with our United States Bishops’ Conference and the Committee on Migration and Refugees which is now chaired by the next Archbishop of Los Angeles, the Most Reverend José H. Gomez.
Read More | En Español | Read more from Cardinal Mahony's blog

Texas Catholic Bishops to their Legislature: Reject Arizona-style immigration policies
January 6, 2011
We must recognize and welcome the contributions of immigrants to our great state. We call on the Texas legislature to reject Arizona-style immigration policies. We look forward to working with the legislature and our immigration partners to enact state-appropriate laws that recognize the historic and present-day contributions of immigrants in Texas.

National Migration Week Statement by Francis Cardinal George, OMI of Chicago
January 2, 2011
Migrants and immigrants who have entered our country without proper documents live in the shadows every day fearing the possibility of deportation, of being separated from their spouses and their children. Yet while most welcome the economic benefits of their cheap labor, many condemn them for being here.
Read More | En Español

Statement by Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Raleigh on National Migration Week and immigration
January 2, 2011
I encourage your study of the teaching of our Church on migration, our Catholic understanding of the role of the State to regulate migration, defend its borders, its laws and its citizens, and to recognize that, in keeping with our teaching, migrants are also members of the one human family, our brothers and sisters in the Lord.

Florida Bishops Statement on Immigration
January 1, 2011
We call upon our federal delegation to lead the fight for comprehensive immigration reform in Congress. We call upon the Florida legislature to resist efforts to demonize those who provide the labor for our economy and a living for their families. Our Catholic Social Teaching and the tradition of the Church affirm the dignity of every human being, made in the image of God.
Read More | En Español

National Migration Week Web Site | Read More | En Español
January 2-8, 2011
Homily of His Excellency Thomas Wenski, Archbishop of Miami, on the Feast of the Epiphany.

National Migration Week 2011 Statement by Francis Cardinal George, OMI of Chicago
| En Español

2010

USCCB Chairman Calls Senate Vote on Dream Act A Setback, Not a Defeat
December 21, 2010
On behalf of the U.S. Catholic Bishops, I express my gratitude to those elected officials who did the right thing and voted for this important bill.
Read More | En Español

Southern California Public Radio: Cardinal Mahony joins other Bishops lobbying for DREAM Act
December 17, 2010
Listen to the radio story

National Catholic Reporter: Catholic Bishops lobby for DREAM Act
December 17, 2010
Four U.S. bishops - Cardinal Roger Mahony and Coadjutor Archbishop Jose Gomez of Los Angeles, Bishop John Wester of Salt Lake City and Bishop Edward Burns of Juneau, Alaska - just held a press call to urge the U.S. Senate to pass the DREAM Act.

Migrant Families Focus of 2011 National Migration Week
December 16, 2010
Following the lead of Pope Benedict XVI, who has focused on migrant families in his 2011 World Day of Migrants and Refugees message, the U.S. Catholic bishops focus this year's National Migration Week message also on the family by highlighting the stresses and strains that migration has on families and the effects that economic underdevelopment has in this process.
Read More | En Español

USCCB Chairman Commends House Passage of Dream Act, Calls on U.S. Senate to Follow Suit
December 10, 2010
We cannot let this moment pass. Our Senators must also pass this legislation, so that it can be signed into law by the President as soon as possible.
Read More | En Español

USCCB Statement on the passage of the DREAM Act in the House of Representatives
December 8, 2010
From Cardinal Roger M. Mahony, Archbishop of Los Angeles and Archbishop José H. Gomez, Coadjutor Archbishop of Los Angeles
Read More

Catholic Bishops to Congress: The Dream Act is the ‘Right Thing to Do’
December 3, 2010
On behalf of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, I write to express our support for the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act (DREAM Act).
Read More | En Español

Archbishop Aymond of New Orleans shares some thoughts on the DREAM Act
December 2010

Bishop Finn Urges Passage of DREAM Act
November 29, 2010
Today, Kansas City-St. Joseph Bishop Robert W. Finn wrote to members of Missouri's congressional delegation urging them to support passage of the Dream Act.
Read More

Statement on the DREAM Act by Archbishop José Gomez, Coadjutor Archbishop of Los Angeles
November 17, 2010
Today, I ask our elected officials in Congress to remember how we are all immigrants or descendants of immigrants and that we, too, have benefitted from this opportunity and the American values of fairness, compassion, and hard work. With the passage of the DREAM Act, we can welcome a new generation of Americans who will one day become the leaders of our communities.
Read More

Resources for the DREAM Act

DREAM Act Backgrounder
DREAM Act Q&A
DREAM Act Talking Points
DREAM Act Bill Summary and Status (from the Library of Congress)
Other DREAM Act resources (from the National Immigration Law Center)
DREAM Act Fact Sheet (from an allied organization)

National Catholic Reporter: Q & A: Appleby on Obama
August 20, 2010
As Kevin Appleby, Director of Migration Policy and Public Affairs of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, makes clear in his post that follows, immigration tells us about who we are as a people. Our capacity to admire the achievements of immigrants speaks volumes about the freedom we all enjoy in America, even if we disagree with some or all of those achievements!
Read More

Washington Post: A rare reprieve from immigration limbo
August 12, 2010
For two years, Yves Gomes, who spent all but 14 months of his 17 years in Silver Spring, lived in limbo, wondering in which direction his path lay.
Read More | See story photos

U.S. Bishops Support Comprehensive Immigration Reform
Bishop John C. Wester of Salt Lake City, Chairman of the U.S. Bishops' Committee on Migration, expresses the bishops' support for comprehensive immigration reform. Such reform would take into account both the rights of a country to secure its borders and the rights of people to emigrate to support themselves and their families.

USCCB Migration Chairman Lauds Court Decision Regarding Arizona SB 1070, Urges Comprehensive Immigration Reform
July 29, 2010
It is the right decision. Any law that provides legal cover to profiling affects all members of our communities, including legal residents and citizens. It is a very slippery slope. What is needed now is for Congress and the Administration to live up to their responsibilities and address this issue by passing immigration reform.
Read More

Out of the Shadows: A Call for Reform
July 19, 2010
More than any other organized religion in the U.S, the Catholic Church is an immigrant church that has grown in lock step with the nation, welcoming successive generations of immigrants who have helped build our nation.
Read More

Catholic New World (Archdiocese of Chicago): The Cardinal's Column
July 18, 2010
(The) U.S. bishops have asked for a reform of our law, a reform that can only be accomplished on the federal level. The reform should start with concern for the basic respect that is owed all human beings, no matter their status before the law.
Read More

Testimony of Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas, Vice-President of the USCCB, in the U.S. House Subcommittee on Immigration
July 14, 2010
Statement from the Bishop of Tucson: "Our nation cannot wait to repair our broken immigration system, which does not accommodate the migration realities we face in our nation today, serve our national interests, or respect the basic human rights of migrants who come to this nation in search of employment for themselves and better living conditions for their children."
Read More

U.S. Catholic Bishops and Immigration Educational Website
June 17, 2010
Read More

Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr of Cincinnati: "Why we need comprehensive immigration reform"
June 16, 2010
We bishops are trying to be clear in expressing the basic moral principles involved in efforts to reform our immigration laws. These moral principles are founded on the inherent, God-given dignity of the human person. We have supported rallies, marches, various educational programs and the U.S. bishops’ advocacy campaign.
Read More

Let us work to build a society that respects, protects and upholds the dignity of all human beings, including newcomers to our state
June 15, 2010
Catholic Bishops of Minnesota Statement on Immigration

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann asking for support of the DREAM Act
June 11, 2010
Our nation's broken immigration system continues to take its toll on the lives of our Kansas families.
Read More

Interfaith Prayer Service in Houston with Cardinal DiNardo
June 6, 2010
Read More

Columbus (OH) Dispatch: Churches Profess Empathy
May 14, 2010
Jesus crossed a border once without government permission. He was just a baby at the time, his life threatened by King Herod.
Read More

Archbishop Charles J. Chaput: Flawed law unintentionally shows urgent need for immigration reform
May 5, 2010

Future Chairman of USCCB Committee on Migration Appointed Coadjutor Archbishop of Los Angeles
April 8, 2010
Archbishop Jose Gomez, archbishop of San Antonio, has been appointed by Pope Benedict XVI as coadjutor archbishop in Los Angeles, the largest diocese in the country.
Read More

Mass in Support of Immigrants
March 21, 2010, St. Aloysius Church, Washington, DC
Celebrants: Cardinal Roger Mahony, Los Angeles; Bishop John C. Wester, Salt Lake City; Bishop Francisco Gonzalez, Washington DC; Bishop Paul Loverde, Arlington

It was Sunday, March 21st at St. Aloysius Church in Washington, DC; the sun was shining, the temperature warm, and the excitement palpable. Buses started rolling in by nine that morning and people quickly filed out, filled with anticipation of the coming day. Some had driven many hours to get to Washington, DC and others came from the next state over, but all came with a single purpose: to celebrate a Mass together in solidarity with their migrant brothers and sisters and then march on the Capitol to urge Congress and the White House to support comprehensive immigration reform.
Read More

Rally for Immigrants and Immigration Reform
March 21, 2010, National Mall, Washington DC
After the Mass for Immigrants, a truly historic day continued as Mass participants joined over 100,000 people in a rally on the National Mall to support immigration reform. With invigorated spirits and encouraged by the good will that emanated from the Mass, many of the Catholics gathered at St. Aloysius walked the few blocks to the Mall and added their voices at an event billed as the “March for America: Change Takes Courage and Faith.” At the rally, thousands of Catholics from Ohio, Pennsylvania, Illinois, California, Texas, Kentucky and other states helped grow the vast sea of people that, likewise, traveled from near and far to hear from national political, business, civil rights and faith leaders about the need for immigration reform. The Catholic church was well represented among the speakers at the rally by Bishop John C. Wester, Salt Lake City, and Cardinal Roger Mahony, Los Angeles.
Read Cardinal Mahony's remarks | Pictures of the Mass and rally

JFI will host a Mass in support of immigrants
March 21, 2010
On Sunday, March 21st, JFI will host a Mass in support of immigrants with celebrants Cardinal Mahony and Bishop Wester at 11:00am at St. Aloysius Church (19 I Street N.W., Washington DC 20001). Afterward, please join thousands of people on the National Mall to urge our members of Congress to introduce and pass immigration reform legislation. With the expectation that comprehensive immigration reform could soon be considered by Congress, it is crucial that supporters of reform make their voices heard on Capitol Hill. Anyone that cannot attend the March 21st events can still take action in support of reform by sending electronic postcards to your members of Congress postcard.
For more information about the Mass, click here. | En Español

Head of Immigration Committee, Hispanic Bishops urge Congress to include immigrants on health care reform
March 19, 2010
Several Hispanic bishops, joined Bishop John C. Wester, chairman of the USCCB Committee on Migration, in sending a letter to all Representatives in the House urging them to include immigrants in health care reform.
Read More

Immigration: Scriptural and Theological Foundations
March 16, 2010
The rights of migrating people (refugees, immigrants, asylum seekers, migrant workers, and internally displaced persons-IDPs) begin with the foundation of all of Catholic Social Teaching, namely, the dignity and sanctity of the human person. The right to life and the conditions worthy of human life—when threatened by poverty, injustice, religious intolerance, armed conflict and other root causes of migration—give rise to the right to migrate.
Read More

Bishop Hubbard Call to Participate in the JFI Campaign
February 26, 2010
Bishop Howard J. Hubbard’s bi-monthly column from which calls on Catholics in the Diocese of Albany to advocate on behalf of comprehensive immigration reform, to educate friends and neighbors on the issue, and to participate in the Justice for Immigrant’s postcard campaign.
Read More

Immigration Reform remains a priority for President, Senate leaders
January 27, 2010
In his State of the Union speech to Congress January 27, President Obama reaffirmed his Administration’s commitment to immigration reform, calling on Congress to “continue the work of fixing our broken immigration system to secure our borders, enforce our laws and ensure that everyone who plays by the rules can contribute to our economy and enrich our nation.” In comments made subsequent to the President’s speech, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) restated his commitment to moving immigration reform this year: “It is something we are committed to do. And we will do it as soon as we can.” Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) offered that he was making “good progress” in negotiating a bipartisan bill with Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC).

In an interview with Atlantic Monthly, Senator Graham also named immigration reform as a goal and showed support for a path to citizenship for the undocumented: “What I would like to see is the illegal immigrant population come out of the shadows, be biometrically identified, be required to learn English, pay the fines for their [offense], and get right with the law. If they want to be a citizen, get at the back of the line, not break into it.”

On the Feast of Epiphany, USCCB Chairmen launch new JFI website, postcard campaign for immigration reform
January 6, 2010
On January 6th, Bishop John C. Wester of Salt Lake City, chairman of the USCCB Committee on Migration, and Bishop Howard Hubbard of Albany, chairman of the USCCB International Policy Committee, launched a new Justice for Immigrants (JFI) website and a new postcard campaign for Catholics. During a telephonic press event, the two chairmen outlined plans by the Catholic Church to work to enact comprehensive immigration reform in 2010.

Among the activities highlighted was a JFI postcard campaign, in which Catholic parishioners would be asked to sign postcards to their federal officials, asking for the passage of immigration reform. To date, more than 1.5 million postcards have been ordered by dioceses.

Bishop Wester outlined the bishops’ position on immigration reform, citing the need for a legalization program for undocumented immigrants, among other changes. Bishop Hubbard spoke to the root causes of migration and how the United States and other nations should address the push factors driving migrants to come to the United States.

The new JFI website was launched the week of January 4th.
Read More

U.S. Bishops Announce Push for Immigration Reform in 2010
January 6, 2010
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops announced steps to push for the enactment of immigration reform legislation in 2010. Bishop John C. Wester, bishop of Salt Lake City, and chairman of the USCCB Committee on Migration, and Bishop Howard J. Hubbard, bishop of Albany, and chairman of the International Policy Committee of the USCCB, made the announcement.
Read More

2009

USCCB calls House immigration bill an important first step in legislative process
December 23, 2009

USCCB opposes Senate health care legislation, citing deficiencies in immigration, other issues
December 22, 2009

Cardinal McCarrick testifies before Congress on immigration reform
October 8, 2009

Bishop Thomas J. Tobin: My Ideas on Immigration
September 10, 2009

The Michigan Catholic (Archdiocese of Detroit): Cardinal Mahony calls for immigration law reform
April 3, 2009

July 2008

The National Migration Conference was a huge success! Hundreds of people from around the country gathered in DC to share ideas on how to best work with immigrants and refugees.

The Carnegie Foundation had a full page add in the New York Times reminding people that "America remains a land of immigrants". Check it out.