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For the first time in over 25 years, Congress may actually pass comprehensive immigration reform, something the U.S. Catholic bishops have long supported. Action is expected first in the U.S. Senate, where a bipartisan group of senators has developed a framework of discussion that is being welcomed by the U.S. Catholic bishops. Read this Alert and then contact both Senators Roy Blunt and Claire McCaskill and urge their support for immigration reform.
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BACKGROUND
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The current law passed in 1986 is outdated. It frustrates the efforts of separated families to reunite in this country and blocks a path to citizenship for immigrants who have lived and worked in this country for years. The law makes it difficult for those brought to this country as small children to obtain citizenship, even though they have no memory of any other country and call the U.S. their home.
Now there are signs that Congress is ready to pull up their sleeves and get down to work. A bipartisan group of U.S. Senators has announced a framework for immigration reform. Senators involved in developing the new consensus include: Marco Rubio of Florida, Jeff Flake of Arizona, Chuck Schumer of New York, Dick Durbin of Illinois, Bob Menendez of New Jersey, Michael Bennet of Colorado, John McCain of Arizona and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina.
At this point the framework involves broad principles and does not get into many of the details that will have to be addressed to craft legislative language. Still, the framework offers a promising starting point for constructive work. Its main points include:
- A "tough but fair path to citizenship" for undocumented immigrants already in the United States;
- A process to offer green cards (legal residence) to foreign science, math and engineering graduates of Ph.D. or Master's programs;
- Revamping the guest worker program for farm workers;
- Creating a fast track to U.S. Citizenship for people brought into this country as children; and,
- Additional funds for border enforcement and the establishment of a border commission composed of officials from border-states.
Speaking on behalf of the U.S. Catholic bishops, Archbishop Jose' H. Gomez of Los Angeles, chairman of the bishops committee on migration, has welcomed the principles set forth by the Senators and urged prompt action on immigration reform. "It is vital that the framework include a path to citizenship, so that undocumented immigrants can come out of the shadows and into the light and have a chance to become Americans," the archbishop said.
Meanwhile, a poll released on Monday, January 28 by Fox News found that a majority of Americans support a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants so long as certain conditions are met, such paying back taxes, learning English and passing a background check.
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CATHOLIC TEACHING
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Pope Benedict XVI has repeatedly called attention to the plight of migrants around the world, who flee their homeland because of persecution, hunger and dire poverty. The Holy Father has called on nations to address issues surrounding migration with justice and compassion.
In 2003 the U.S. Catholic bishops joined with the Catholic bishops of Mexico in issuing a pastoral letter -- Strangers No Longer. This statement acknowledges that nations have the right to control their borders but it also affirms the right of migrants to leave their homeland when faced with persecution, hunger or poverty.
In applying Catholic principles to the immigration debate, the U.S. Catholic bishops have supported a way for undocumented immigrants already living in this country to earn their citizenship through steps such as paying back taxes. The bishops have advocated for a better process whereby families that are separated by national borders can reunite in this country.
The bishops have urged that the guest worker program be revamped so more farm workers can enter the U.S. legally and meet the labor demand in this country. In all dealings with immigrants, the bishops have urged humane treatment that recognizes the God-given dignity of every person.
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| WHAT YOU CAN DO | -
Contact Missouri's two U.S. Senators (see contact information in upper left corner)
- Forward this e-mail to friends and family members.
- Report back to the MCC on what the two U.S. Senators are saying.
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| THE MESSAGE/TALKING POINTS |
- For the first time in many years, Congress has a historic opportunity to reform the nation's outdated immigration laws. I urge you to work with your Senate colleagues to develop comprehensive legislation on immigration reform.
- Please support a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who have lived and worked in this country for many years. Please support a fast track process whereby people brought to this country as small children can obtain their citizenship.
- Please support changes in our immigration laws that will allow families separated by national borders to reunite in this country. Also needed is a revamped guest worker program that will allow more immigrants to work legally in this country and meet our nation's current labor demand.
- In general, please work for a new immigration law that will respect the God-given human dignity of all immigrants.
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