|
Bishop Seitz went on to add: “Legislators have a moral and patriotic duty to improve our legal immigration system, including the opportunities available for family reunification and preservation. A society is only as strong as its families, and family unity is a fundamental right. For the good of the country, Congress must find a way to overcome partisan divisions and enact immigration reform that includes an earned legalization program for longtime undocumented residents.”
A new USCCB resource about the process is available in English and Spanish.
U.S. Catholic Church Commemorates World Day Refugee Day
On June 20, the USCCB joined with others around the world in honoring refugees and the communities that welcome them. Bishop Seitz released the following statement: “On World Refugee Day, we reflect on the urgent need to promote the dignity and rights of refugees, as well as the positive contributions they make to our communities. As Catholics, we are called by the Gospel and Church teaching to embrace our brothers and sisters fleeing for their lives, offering them compassion, support, and solidarity. For generations, Catholics across the United States have embodied this through their commitment to refugee resettlement. In these efforts, we witness the resiliency of refugees, and we recognize in them a hope for new life, which resonates in the heart of every Christian. May this work of welcome continue to inspire within us a deeper awareness of our own journey toward everlasting life.”
2024 World Day of Migrants & Refugees/National Migration Week
The Catholic Church in the United States will observe National Migration Week (NMW) from September 23-29, 2024. Each year, this week-long celebration culminates with the World Day of Migrants and Refugees (WDMR), established by the Holy See over 100 years ago and commemorated by Catholics across the globe. Throughout this week, the faithful and others of good will are encouraged to reflect on the challenges facing migrants, refugees, and others impacted by the complex phenomenon of forced displacement, the ways these newcomers enrich welcoming communities, and how we are each called to respond to them as members of the same human family.
The theme for NMW 2024, “God Walks with His People,” underscores the solidarity with migrants our Church embraces as they journey in various ways to find security, safety and peace for themselves and their families. In preparation for this celebration, please take an opportunity to read Pope Francis’ WDMR message. Be sure to check out the Justice for Immigrant’s NMW page and 2024 toolkit, where we expand on the theme and suggest possible ways for your community to get involved.
Please share your NMW and WDMR events, celebrations and Mass information on JFI’s Facebook page and Twitter to spread the word about your plans during the week! Also, let us know what you are doing for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees by emailing Tony Cube.
Problem Areas in Immigration Series: Migrant Farmworkers
Migrant farmworkers play a critical role in US agriculture, ensuring that the fruits and vegetables that you enjoy every day get from farm to table. The June issue of problem areas in migration focuses on this population, examines the H-2A program, and improvements that could be made to make it more efficient and effective. Please take a moment to read this overview and watch the accompanying videos, which will help you better understand this complex issue.
For those who have friends and colleagues not on the listserv but who might be interested in this series, please send them to the JFI website for more information.
| 
