New comprehensive immigration bill introduced. On its first full day in office, the Biden administration sent to Congress proposed legislation addressing many of the issues that have marked our broken immigration system. This immigration reform bill proposes to (1) create a pathway to citizenship for undocumented in the United States; (2) reform the immigration court system; (3) modernize border security; (4) address root causes of undocumented migration; and (5) institute other actions. The bill would also provide greater protection for unaccompanied child migrants. There is no expectation that this bill will be adopted as proposed, but the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has already expressed support for many of these reforms. See the statement from Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville, auxiliary bishop of Washington and chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Migration.
President Biden executive orders. Among other executive orders, President Biden reversed or modified executive orders related to immigrants and refugees. The president issued an executive order continuing and fortifying the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) program originally adopted by President Obama. The USCCB has long supported the DACA program and affirmed the Biden administration action while recognizing the need for congressional action. The Department of Homeland Security has announced that it will pause deportations for certain noncitizens in the United States for 100 days and stop new enrollments in the Migrant Protection Protocols policy, also known as the “remain in Mexico” program, a program that requires asylum seekers on the southern border to remain in Mexico pending scheduling of a hearing. Currently about 60,000 prospective asylees are camped in the Mexico side of the border.
Quick summary. Need a quick summary of Catholic principles and issues related to immigration? See https://justiceforimmigrants.org/what-we-are-working-on/immigration/
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