Email from USCCB "You are not alone." Justice for Immigrants Biweekly Review: August 4-15, 2025 Celebrating 20 years of JFI! “In a world darkened by war and injustice, even when all seems lost, migrants and refugees stand as messengers of hope. Their courage and tenacity bear heroic testimony to a faith that sees beyond what our eyes can see and gives them the strength to defy death on the various contemporary migration routes.” -Pope Leo XIV Updates and Resources   New Resource – Plan a Faith Vigil for Migrants: This toolkit provides guidance to Catholics who are interested in preparing a faith rally and/or vigil in support of migrants to raise public visibility on the migration issue and inspire other Catholics to evaluate the issue of migration in light of their faith. Download the toolkit. Watch a video about the Diocese of El Paso’s vigil: USCCB Comments on Revised Interpretation of “Federal Public Benefits:” In July, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services rescinded a 1998 interpretation of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA) and issued a revised interpretation. The USCCB formally submitted comments responding to the revised interpretation, calling on the Administration to rescind it for several reasons, including its “predictable harm to vulnerable populations, such as mixed-status families.” ICYMI – Bipartisan Collaboration on Immigration Reform is Still Possible, says Bishop Seitz Earlier this month, an expansive, bipartisan immigration reform bill was introduced by Rep. Maria Salazar and Rep. Veronica Escobar. The two legislators were joined by over twenty of their colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives, introducing the newest version of the Dignity Act. Bishop Mark J. Seitz of El Paso, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Migration, offered his appreciation for the bill, specifically commending the bipartisan collaboration. Read the full statement. Wondering what the U.S. bishops have called for in a just reform of our immigration system? Learn more about the Catholic elements of immigration reform and the Church’s historical engagement in reform efforts over recent decades. ICYMI – August 2025 Recess Toolkit on the Religious Workforce Protection Act This toolkit explains the challenges facing foreign-born religious workers, how the bipartisan Religious Workforce Protection Act (S. 1298/H.R. 2672) would provide vital relief, and ways to advocate in support of the bill. Facing years‑long backlogs in the EB‑4 visa queue, these workers—priests, sisters, brothers, and others are being forced to leave the country while their green card applications are pending, abandoning their ministries in the process. The RWPA would allow eligible religious workers to remain in their current legal status until permanent residency is granted, preventing ministry disruption and sustaining essential services in parishes, schools, hospitals, and more. Check out the toolkit. ICYMI – National Migration Week Toolkit This toolkit is designed to support communities in observing National Migration Week (September 22–28) and the World Day of Migrants and Refugees (October 4–5). Centered on the theme “Migrants, Missionaries of Hope,” it invites the faithful to reflect on the courage and witness of migrants through prayer, pilgrimage, liturgy, and community action. Rooted in the Jubilee Year of Hope, the toolkit includes pastoral resources, historical reflections, ideas for parish engagement, and practical ways to advocate for and accompany migrants. Check out this year’s toolkit. Missionaries of Hope In honor of this year's theme for the World Day of Migrants & Refugees, we will share hopeful articles, homilies, and videos in each newsletter. Click here to read Pope Leo's message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees. Mass celebrated at ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ for detained Catholic migrants, OSV News: "The Church has ‘no borders’ for we all are members of one human family.” Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski says, affirming that the Church’s mission transcends physical or political barriers and that “our ‘agenda’ was always to announce the ‘good news’ to the poor.” Bishop Brennan’s Statement on the Current Immigration Crisis, Diocese of Wheeling–Charleston: “I urge you to affirm the humanity of all immigrants, regardless of legal status. Our government’s own inaction is the main reason why many oppressed and struggling people feel obliged to enter our country without legal documents. Now our government is overreacting by trying to force them out. We Catholics must welcome the stranger and feed and clothe him. For whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me [Matthew 25:40].” Pray, Fast, and Advocate for Immigrants: Join CLINIC in Prayer, Aug. 18, 2025 | 12-1 p.m. ET: "This virtual prayer gathering is being held as part of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious’ (LCWR) 100 days of prayer, fasting, and advocacy for justice and peace in our world. CLINIC’s prayer gathering will focus on justice for immigrants." San Diego Diocese rolls out new ministry to accompany immigrants in court, CBS: "The Catholic Diocese of San Diego launched a new ministry aimed at supporting refugees and asylum seekers as they navigate the challenges of the U.S. immigration system. The initiative called "FAITH" (proclaiming "Faithful Accompaniment in Trust and Hope") is designed to ensure no one faces court hearings alone." San Diego Diocese assembles volunteers to accompany immigrants in court, National Catholic Reporter “'We want to make a difference because each of us have value and dignity. In communion with each other, we are stronger.' Bishop Michael Pham says, emphasizing that the new “Faithful Accompaniment In Trust & Hope” (FAITH) ministry ensures refugees and asylum‑seekers are not alone during immigration hearings—inspired by solidarity, respect, and collective strength." Haitian Catholics in US lean on faith amid fears of deportation, National Catholic Reporter: “'The Haitian people, we are like Jesus, the son of man who doesn’t have a place to stay.' Fr. Dieuseul Aidain says, drawing upon Christ’s experience of homelessness to express shared suffering—and, implicitly, hope through solidarity." Solidarity with Immigrants - A message of hope by Archbishop Lori: "As a Church, our message is clear: you are not alone. The Church remains a place of welcome and support. We want our immigrant brothers and sisters to know that their presence enriches our Church and our communities. And we will continue to advocate for policies that protect families, promote justice, and recognize the diving dignity of every person." Watch in Spanish here. Strangers No Longer, silent procession standing with immigrants: On July 14, 2025, members of Strangers No Longer, a Catholic grassroots immigrant-rights group, organized a solemn procession from Most Holy Trinity Parish in Detroit to the local ICE field office. The goal: to deliver a letter requesting dialogue about the effects of enforcement policies on immigrant communities.   Welcomer of the week: Cardinal Tobin reflects on the rhetoric used to describe immigrants: "to categorize or paint them with the same broad brush as basically criminals...as people who are invading, what an inflammatory word that is...I think the Holy Father is asking us to look in our hearts, and with the vision that comes from our hearts, to recognize the essential dignity of these sons and daughters of God." Cardinal Tobin reflects on Pope Francis' letter to the US Bishops and the "high value he gives to human dignity:" "In order to do heinous things to human beings...you have to intentionally take away their dignity...and it permits you to treat them in inhuman ways because they no longer represent a daughter or son of God." Watch Cardinal Tobin, Bishop Seitz, and Bishop Tyson read this letter here.   Share & Stay Connected Visit the JFI website, follow us on X and Instagram, or email us! For more frequent news, sign up for CLINIC's daily updates.   USCCB | 3211 Fourth Street NE | Washington, DC 20017 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice