FROM MANY, ONE FAMILY OF GOD,’ HERALDS NATIONAL MIGRATION WEEK, JANUARY 6-12
 
WASHINGTON – ‘From Many, One Family of God’ is the theme for this year’s National Migration Week, sponsored by Migration and Refugee Services of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB/MRS), and to be observed January 6-12. These words are accompanied by an image from the Gospel of Mark of Jesus feeding the crowds with multiplied loaves and the fishes. The message is one of assurance of the providence of God as well as a reminder that His abundance is meant to be shared with all people. This year’s celebration marks the 27th annual National Migration Week observance.

Bishop John C. Wester of Salt Lake City, new chairman of the USCCB Committee on Migration, said that this year’s theme “reminds us that though we come from many cultures and places, we are all part of one human family and members of the one Body of Christ. Sadly, rather than embracing newcomers to our land whose circumstances have compelled them to seek new lives among us, we too often respond in fear and harbor attitudes of resentment and suspicion.”

“The miracle of the loaves and fishes is God's promise not only to the disciples but to us as well. If we fail to minister to the needs of these newcomers, we fail our Lord himself,” Bishop Wester said. “National Migration Week 2008 is a celebration of the diversity and richness of the family of God…When we set aside our concerns and share our resources, God’s blessings extend to all of us.”

After failure by the U.S. Congress to enact comprehensive immigration reform last summer, the Catholic Bishops have vowed to continue raising their “prophetic voice calling the faithful and all people of goodwill to reach out in love and understanding to our migrant brothers and sisters. We must learn of the realities that cause them to leave all that is precious behind for an uncertain future, learn the truth about the many contributions they make and gifts they bring to our society, and work to reform our immigration laws that cause family disintegration and strife within communities,” the bishops say.

The Migration and Refugee Services of the USCCB has made several materials available to facilitate the observance of National Migration Week 2008. These materials include a prayer for migrants and refugees, bulletin inserts explaining the meaning and purpose of the celebration, a bilingual poster and a calendar for reflection for each day during the week of observance. Each day is devoted to one particular topic and contains a Scripture passage and suggestions for action.

Information and materials for National Migration Week 2008 can be found at www.usccb.org/mrs/nmw.shtml.

The Maryland Catholic Conference has just published a set of very useful resources on immigration. With the Maryland Conference's permission, we make them available here.

The Root Causes of Migration

In the past 30 years, the number of international migrants has more than doubled, to an estimated 191 million worldwide.These include economic migrants compelled to move to provide for their families, refugees and internally displaced persons fleeing persecution, and victims of human trafficking. The vast majority are economic migrants who have few options to remain in their countries of origin. Read more . . .

The Economics of Immigration

Most immigrants to the United States are motivated to come for economic reasons: To secure stable jobs and a just wage to provide for their families. It is reasonable, in turn, to ask what impact immigrants, including those who are undocumented, have on the economy, public benefits, and native-born workers. The answer is largely positive. Research shows that immigrants – documented and undocumented alike – work hard, pay taxes and help grow the economy. Read more . . .

Resources for Priests and Others

The Basics of Church Teaching on Migration: All persons have the right to have their basic human needs met; Sovereign nations have the right to control their borders; Families have the right to remain united and the right to live with one’s family cannot be denied by law. Also: Scripture references; the Pontiffs on immigration; and The Church’s Public Policy Positions on Immigration; Read more . . .

The Legal Immigration Process

The legal immigration process in the United States is complicated, lengthy, costly, and not available to many who would like to be part of it. For these reasons, and because the process does not provide the United States with the number of workers its economy demands, the U.S. immigration system is widely regarded as “broken.” Read more . . .

The History of Immigration

History always provides us with important perspective as we seek to understand current public policy debates. This is especially true for immigration. While it may be tempting to judge the actions of undocumented immigrants today against the actions of our immigrant ancestors, the legal landscape has changed so dramatically over time that it is difficult to make direct and accurate comparisons. Read more . . .

Statement from Maryland Catholic Bishops (English)
Statement from Maryland Catholic Bishops (Spanish)

DREAM Act falls short of 60 votes to move forward
Yesterday the U.S. Senate voted 52-44 to move to consideration of S. 2205, the DREAM Act.  Sixty votes were required in order to move to debate on the bill.

The bad news is that the DREAM Act most likely will not be considered this year.   The good news is that the legislation received majority support (52 votes and likely 56 if absent Senators had voted) and that we are narrowing the gap of achieving 60 votes to move toward consideration of immigration legislation. Below you will find the results of the vote. 

Senators Conrad and Dorgan voted against moving the bill forward. Please contact them to express your disappointment.
 

The U.S. Senate will have its first procedural vote on the DREAM ACT on Wednesday, October 24, 2007.  This act will permit certain immigrant students who have grown up in the United States to apply for temporary legal status and eventual permanent status if they attend college for two years or serve in the U.S. military. We need to redouble our efforts to get in phone calls and messages.

Take Action!

Votes on the bill could continue until the end of the week.   Call 202-224-3121 ASAP and ask your Senator to vote yes on the DREAM Act, S. 2205.  
For more information on the DREAM ACT:

WHAT:  The Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act (S. 2205, the DREAM Act) is likely to be debated on the floor of the U.S. Senate  this week.  Sponsored by Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chuck Hagel (R-NE), and Richard Lugar (R-IN), the bill would provide many students who are children of undocumented immigrants and who graduate from high school, with the opportunity to gain citizenship and access to higher education.

ACTION NEEDED:  Click on "Take Action" and enter your zip code to contact both of your Senators today and ask them to support the DREAM act.  We have provided a pre-formatted letter for you to personalize and to help get you started.

BACKGROUND:  S. 2205 would permit certain immigrant students who have grown up in the United States to apply for temporary legal status and eventual permanent status if they attend college for two years or serve in the U.S. military. It applies to those young persons who entered the United States at least five years prior to enactment of the bill. S. 2205 does NOT contain a provision permitting states to more easily offer in-state tuition to undocumented students (this provision was included in earlier versions of the bill)

WASHINGTON - In a statement released September 27, Bishop Gerald R. Barnes of San Bernardino, CA, chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Migration, expressed concern about the direction and tone of the national debate on immigration.  Legislation to comprehensively reform the U.S. immigration system failed in the U.S. Senate June 28.
“The immigration reform debate, while provoking informed analysis and thoughtful discussion, also has generated harsh rhetoric against migrants in this country, particularly those without legal status,” said Bishop Barnes.  “Fanned by talk radio and anti-immigrant organizations, this rhetoric has inflamed fears and misunderstanding among some portions of the American public, leading to a polarized and vitriolic atmosphere.” 
Bishop Barnes also said that the increase in enforcement initiatives at the federal and local levels will not solve the issue of illegal immigration but will drive immigrants further into the shadows and create fear in immigrant communities. Bishop Barnes pointed to enforcement raids, state and local enforcement initiatives, and other administrative actions as examples of an immigration system that needs reform.
“We reaffirm our view that enforcement-only measures at any jurisdictional level will further drive undocumented migrant workers into a hidden underclass and create more fear and suspicion in immigrant communities,” Bishop Barnes said.
“The U.S. bishops acknowledge the right of our country to secure our borders and enforce immigration law.  Such enforcement, however, must respect human rights and dignity and minimize the separation of families.”
Bishop Barnes urged Congress to return to the consideration of comprehensive immigration reform as soon as possible.  “We call upon Catholics and all Americans to work together constructively to ensure a positive outcome to this vital national debate.”

Undocumented immigrants not same as criminals, says Vatican official

By Catholic News Service

BRUSSELS, Belgium (CNS) -- Being an undocumented immigrant is not the same thing as being a criminal, a Vatican official told the Global Forum on Migration and Development.

"Independently of their legal status," migrants are human beings with rights that must be respected, said Archbishop Agostino Marchetto, secretary of the Pontifical Council for Migrants and Travelers.

The archbishop spoke July 9 at the opening of the global forum, a gathering of nongovernmental and faith-inspired organizations, labor unions and researchers convoked by the Belgian government to come up with concrete proposals for improved international policies on migration and development.

While people have a right to live at peace and with dignity in their home countries, they also have a right to migrate when those needs are not met, Archbishop Marchetto told the forum.

"An irregular migration status, in fact, does not mean criminality," he said.

The international community must find more effective means to promote peace and development throughout the world so that people do not feel forced to leave their homelands and to increase channels for legal migration, he said.

Migration is prompted not only by war or poverty in the developing world, but also by the need of the world's richer countries for laborers, he said.

"Thus, migrants contribute to their host country's well-being," he said.

No matter what migrants' legal status is, he said, "their human dignity must be respected and their freedoms guaranteed: the right to a dignified life; to fair treatment at work; to have access to education, health and other social benefits; to grow in competence and develop humanly; (and) to freely manifest their culture and practice their religion."

At the same time, the archbishop said, migrants have the obligation to respect the laws of their host country and to "strive for proper integration (not assimilation) into the host society and learn its language. They are to foster esteem and respect for their host country, even to the point of loving and defending it."

Catholic Charities USA Calls for Accountability as Congress Fails to Pass Comprehensive Immigration Reform; Urges Continued Efforts To Find Agreement

Rev. Larry Snyder, president of Catholic Charities USA, issued the following statement on the Senate pulling the immigration bill from the floor.
“The Senate’s inability to pass fair and comprehensive immigration reform is a monumental failure for our country.

“Our nation needs its leaders to find compromise solutions to solve our toughest challenges. Today’s action to give up on the bill leaves in place the status quo – a deeply flawed, untenable, and much-criticized immigration system that is desperate need of reform.

“Sadly, just as our nation prepares to celebrate its birthday, the U.S. Senate has turned its back on Lady Liberty and the 12 million immigrants living in fear who yearn to breathe free and achieve the American dream.

“This must not be the end of the efforts by Congress this year to reform our broken immigration system. This requires a humanitarian solution not partisan politics. Catholic Charities USA calls on the Senate to show leadership and try again to find agreement on comprehensive immigration bill. Too much is at stake for our country, for immigrants and their families who are seeking a better life, and for our nation’s security.”
 

The U.S. Bishops' Justice for Immigrants Campaign is asking for action on several proposed amendments to the Senate immigration bill:
WHAT: Today, the U.S. Senate will resume debate on immigration. Several amendments are likely to be considered to S. 1639.  Our policy staff have reviewed the many amendments that are coming forth and have begun to define which we will ask Senators to support and which to oppose.
During the remainder of this week we will be asking you to take 5 minutes and contact your Senators regarding various amendments.
Join the Justice for Immigrants (JFI) Campaign in our advocacy efforts. TAKE 5 and call your Senators today!
 
ACTION NEEDED: Take 5 minutes to call both your Senators today and tell them about these 4 amendments we support or oppose. Call 202-224-3121 and ask for your Senators' offices now.
Ask both your Senators to:
SUPPORT FAMILY-REUNIFICATION AMENDMENTS
· Amendment # 1199 (Dodd): This would increase the number of visas that are available for parents of U.S. citizens, and would extend the number of days each year that non-immigrant parents could visit families in the United States.
· Amendment # 1317 (Menendez): This would modify the point system to give greater weight to family ties for green-card applicants. Family members could receive up to fifteen points in their application, rather than the ten points that would currently be given to family members in the base bill.
 
SUPPORT A WORKABLE LEGALIZATION PROGRAM
· Amendment # 1236 (Baucus-Tester): This amendment would strike provisions that make the bill’s legalization program dependent upon the systematic implementation of REAL ID documents. Several states have already passed laws rejecting to implement REAL ID; additionally, best estimates are that this program would take many years and billions of dollars to execute. This amendment would set more realistic goals and expectations for when the legalization program could take effect.
 
OPPOSE PROVISIONS ENDANGERING VULNERABLE IMMIGRANTS
· Amendment # 1473 (Coleman): This is a slightly modified version of an amendment that was narrowly defeated in this year’s Senate immigration debate. In spite of these changes, the amendment would still prevent local law enforcement officials from choosing to afford certain protections to vulnerable immigrants who are preyed upon by criminals.
 
BACKGROUND: More information is available at the Justice for Immigrants (JFI) Campaign website.
 

The Catholic bishops’ Justice for Immigrants Campaign is urging the nation’s 63 million Catholics to pray and lobby for changes in U.S. immigration law May 20-26.

The campaign, called “A Million Prayers Initiative,” asks Catholics to lobby and pray on behalf of immigrants nationwide, their families, and members of Congress. Information on the campaign can be found at http://www.usccb.org/mrs/jfi/millionprayers.shtml .

“This is a most critical time in the comprehensive immigration reform debate with legislative solutions being proposed by both the President and Congress, said School Sister of Notre Dame Jane Burke,” manager of Justice for Immigrants.

“The U.S. Senate will be considering this legislation during the next two weeks. They need our prayers and need to know that we are calling for a just and equitable immigration reform bill, one that will make a vital difference in the lives of those who will live by its mandates. Our voices are essential to the passage of this crucial legislation. There are many ways to raise our voices but two in particular are called for at this moment – advocacy and prayer.”

The week of prayer precedes Pentecost, the Church feast which celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit.

Catholics are asked to prayer a special Justice Prayer to guide thousands of advocates as they work to influence the passage of a just and humane comprehensive immigration reform bill in the U.S. Congress. This legislation will affect millions of human lives—those working, paying taxes, strengthening communities, and enriching the moral fiber of our country with a brilliant resurgence of cultural diversity.

The campaign also calls on Catholics to call their senators and educate the public on the U. S. bishops’ five immigration principles

• To make family a priority in immigration law
• To insist the worker programs contain protection for U.S. and migrant workers
• To allow for an earned legalization program for the undocumented in the country
• To restore due process protections

• To respond to the economic, political, and social root causes of migration.

 

WHAT: Congress is once again taking up the issue of immigration. New proposals from the U.S. House of Representatives and the White House have recently been introduced, and in the Senate, legislation is likely to be debated THIS WEEK.
ACTION NEEDED: Send a message to BOTH of your Senators starting TODAY!  Ask them to:

• Pass just and comprehensive immigration reform legislation that preserves families; provides a path to lawful permanent residence and citizenship for the 11-12 million undocumented in our nation; and improves the economic prospects, health, labor protections, and stability of all U.S. residents, including newcomers.

WASHINGTON---As the political debate over immigration reform and border security heightens around the country, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) will highlight the need for solidarity with migrants, immigrants, refugees, human trafficking victims and other displaced individuals during National Migration Week, Jan. 7-13.
 
            The theme for this year’s migration week is Welcoming Christ in the Migrant, which marks the 26th year of the annual observance.
 
            “Our nation’s legitimate security concerns have been distorted by some who would foment anxiety, fear, and a distrust of migrants,” said Bishop Gerald R. Barnes, chairman of the USCCB Migration Committee. “The present immigration reform debate has lost much of its reason and is often being fueled by raw emotions. The Scriptures and Catholic Social Teaching call upon all of us to examine the issues and respond to the strangers among us as we would to Jesus Himself. The Holy Family found safety and new lives in Egypt during their time of great need. Many migrants today follow similar paths as they embark on their journey of hope.”
 
            A wide variety of resources for parishes, schools, and service providers are available on the USCCB/MRS National Migration Week web site at www.usccb.org/mrs/nmw.shtml. Bishop Barnes also encouraged citizens to participate in the bishops’ immigration reform initiative, Justice for Immigrants: A Journey of Hope. Information about this campaign can be found at www.justiceforimmigrants.org.
 
            Five principles for migration from Catholic Social Teaching are foundational to the message of National Migration Week: 1) Persons have the right to find opportunities in their homeland. 2) Persons have the right to migrate to support themselves and their families. 3) Sovereign nations have the right to control their borders. 4) Refugees and asylum seekers should be afforded protection. 5) The human dignity and human rights of undocumented migrants should be respected.
 
            “When we reach out to aid and comfort the newcomers to our land we are indeed offering ourselves and our gifts in service to the Lord,” Bishop Barnes added. “This is not only our Christian duty but a privilege, knowing that we too have been adopted into God’s family.”

The Chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Migration, has called on President Bush and Congress “to work together to produce a fair and just comprehensive immigration reform bill.” More information here.