USCCB Letter of Reconciliation

On January 13, five chairmen of the USCCB, including Bishop Mark Seitz of El Paso, chairman of the Committee on Migration, sent a letter to committee leadership in the House and Senate communicating several principles for their consideration as congressional Republicans move forward with budget reconciliation.

A helpful overview of the budget reconciliation process is available from the Bipartisan Policy Center. It is not yet clear whether lawmakers will pursue one or two reconciliation bills, which will have implications for timing and substance of the bill(s). However, USCCB/MRS will be monitoring this process closely over the coming weeks and providing updates to the JFI network, as well as opportunities for JFI supporters to engage.

New/Recent Policy Resources:

The following resources have been released by USCCB/MRS in recent days:



• NEW: Explainer on Birthright Citizenship
• Catholic Elements of Immigration Reform
• Explainer on Immigration Enforcement and Protected Areas
• Post-Election FAQs

These and other resources from USCCB/MRS Policy and Advocacy are available and will be updated at usccb.org/migrationpolicy

Q & A - Responding to Immigration Enforcement Efforts

Given the likelihood that the incoming administration will engage in increased immigration enforcement efforts, it is important that communities across the country be able to respond. This new resource includes information in reference to know your rights, standby guardianship, sensitive locations, rapid response efforts, and related topics. It aims at providing a consolidated resource for people seeking resources pertinent to this issue. It is available in both English and Spanish.



USCCB/MRS is cosponsoring a conference with the Catholic University of America (CUA) titled “Rethinking Migration Narratives – Catholic Immigration Advocacy in 2025 and Beyond,” which will take place March 3-5, 2025 at CUA. This conference will explore the various narratives surrounding Immigration and offer a Catholic alternative to them. There is an evening event on March 3 that will share some on the ground perspectives related to this topic. March 4th is the primary conference day with a Congressional advocacy day taking place on the 5th. Here is a link to the registration page, with further information available about the various workshops: law.edu/immigration.

We hope to see you at the conference!

NEW JFI Resources

JFI Policy Issues Page:

As we move into a new administration that will likely bring new initiatives and challenges on the migration front, our new JFI page on the website will provide an opportunity to explore some of the longstanding policy positions staked out by the institutional church on this issue and updated responses to emergent policy issues.

Bishops Statements on Migration:

This contains links to statements made by bishops, individually and collectively, on the topic of migration here in the United States.

Welcome Wednesdays

For #welcomewednesday, Alonda McGraw, Director of Refugee Resettlement at @CCAOKC, says in a video, "it's amazing to see [refugees] blooming in what they know."

JFI Video Project: Request for Submissions

We are looking to create a series of short videos (1-2 minutes each) that highlight the Church’s response to migration on the ground in various dioceses. These videos will help provide a clearer understanding of how the Church is responding to the needs of migrants, including DACA recipients, refugees, religious workers, and other migrant groups.

We are particularly interested in showcasing the work being done by diocesan leaders, ministries, and local communities, and would like to include interviews or testimonies from individuals directly affected. With respect to privacy and sensitivity, we are committed to protecting the anonymity of any participants who wish to remain anonymous.

These videos will not only highlight the Church's ongoing efforts but also bring a human face to the issue of migration and how the Church is walking alongside those in need. If you are able to assist or have any recommendations for people or stories to feature, we would greatly appreciate your support. Please reach out to Katherine Clifton, MRS' Assistant Director of Communications, if you are interested. She can help with planning, filming, and editing ([email protected]).

Policy Update /

Actualización de Política

We are thankful to the Center for Migration Studies of New York (CMS) for its weekly Migration Update. Please visit their bilingual Migration Update page to stay up-to-date on recent migration policy updates.

View the January 9 CMS Migration Update, which includes:

• Republicans in Congress Prepare to Consider Border Bill
• DHS Adopts Final Rule on Denying Asylum Based on National Security Grounds

Agradecemos al Centro de Estudios de Migración de Nueva York (CMS por sus siglas en inglés) por su Actualización de Migración semanal. Visite su página bilingüe de Actualización de Migración para mantenerse al día sobre las actualizaciones recientes de la política de migración.

Ver la Actualización de Migración del CMS del 9 de enero que incluye:

• Los republicanos en el Congreso se preparan para considerar un proyecto de ley fronterizo
• El DHS adopta una regla final sobre la denegación de asilo por motivos de seguridad nacional



Recent Migration-Related Stories, Op-Eds, Videos, Social Media Posts and Interviews by Catholic Bishops, and (Arch)Dioceses and Catholic Agency Executives

Catholic Bishops of Tennessee and Kentucky: Statement of the Bishops of Province of Louisville on the Feast of the Holy Family

Jesuit Conference: Call for just and humane immigration reform

Diocese of Grand Rapids: Photos from the diocesan Our Lady of Guadalupe procession and Mass

Statement of the Center for Migration Studies of New York Senate Judiciary Hearing: How Mass Deportations Will Separate Families, Harm our Armed Forces, and Devastate Our Economy

Notable New Publications, Reports, Resources, Articles, Etc.

National Immigration Forum Explainer: Mass Deportation in the U.S.

Going far beyond current policies prioritizing the identification and removal of those with criminal records and/or public safety threats, a sweeping large-scale removal operation would require an enormous mobilization of resources and the execution of wide-ranging enforcement actions across the country, including mass raids and sprawling detention camps. Learn more with this resource.