More on Bishops at the Border. Bishop Joseph C. Bambera of Scranton, Pennsylvania, was among the bishops who journeyed to Brownsville, Texas last week to visit those in detention. Read his reflection, culminating with the statement, “Yes, we want to protect our country. I want to protect it too, but I don’t ever want this country to lose what has made it so great and wonderful: that it has shown compassion to so many people.”

It Is Not Just Talk. Catholic organizations have pleaded on behalf of children separated at the border and reached out to reunite families. The family is the basis of Catholic social teaching.

Migration and Human Trafficking Are Related. Refugees fleeing dangerous conditions in their home country are vulnerable to human trafficking. Undocumented people who are afraid to contact law enforcement are equally defenseless. Learn what the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) is doing about human trafficking and the SHEPHERD program.

Asylum Seekers at the Border Have the Right to Personal Case Review.  Contrary to administration arguments, those seeking asylum in the United States have a right to individual cases reviews and a right to be freed pending resolution, according to a federal case ruling. Representatives of the USCCB have applauded the ruling.

Bishops at the Border. Led by Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, a delegation of bishops visited Brownsville, Texas and Mexico to see and report on migrants crossing the border. The bishops called for urgent reunification of families, but said there were no villains in his difficult situation.

In a press conference afterwards, Bishop Daniel Flores of Brownsville said, “I want to emphasize that we can be a nation of laws and still be a nation of compassion. That is what we, as a church need to keep saying in the public square. There is no reason why those have to be opposed.” The bishops emphasized that it is not just a border issue but a hemispheric reality that calls for greater understanding of what is forcing people to leave their homes and move. For pictures, view the Justice for Immigrants Twitter account.

Clarkston on Today. The Today Show reported on the diversity in Clarkston, Georgia – home to many cultures. Catholic Charities Atlanta, among others have worked to resettle refugees in the town with southern hospitality.

Pope Francis On Migration and Lampedusa. Meditating on the words of the Prophet Amos, Pope Francis lamented the many poor who are “victims of that culture of waste that has been denounced time and time again,” including “migrants and refugees who continue to knock at the door of nations that enjoy greater prosperity.”

The Holy Father also commemorated his first journey outside of the Vatican after becoming pope when he visited Lampedusa, Italy, to express his solidarity with migrating peoples, a continuing theme of his papacy.

ICYMI- Archbishop Gregory’s Statement on Immigration Policy. On June 29, Archbishop Gregory issued a statement related to the crisis of families separated at the U.S./Mexico border. The unnecessary separation of children from parents and the detention of children is contrary to our values rooted in Catholic social teaching.

Archbishop Gregory Issues Statement Responding to Families Separated at the Border. On June 29, Archbishop Gregory issued a statement related to the crisis of families separated at the U.S. / Mexico border. The unnecessary separation of children from parents and the detention of children is contrary to our values rooted in Catholic social teaching.

Family Separation at the Border. There is continuing concern for families and children detained at the border. A delegation of bishops is going to the border on behalf of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and will likely send a report within the next week.

Why Do People Risk Their Lives to Come to the United States? Click here for an important answer to this common question.

Supreme Court Upholds Travel Ban. The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld the lawfulness of the administration’s ban on immigrants and others coming from certain Muslim countries. Catholic bishops and others groups have expressed their disappointment with the ruling as it conflicts with freedom of religion.

ICYMI – Resources on Family Separation. For background and resources on family detention and separation, visit the Justice for Immigrants website.

Immigration Reform Legislation. Again, on June 27, the House of Representatives failed to pass a “compromise” bill on immigration. The bill would have provided some relief to DACA recipients, but would also have authorized $25 million for a wall on the southern border. USCCB had opposed the bill as an insufficient solution to the problem. There will likely be no other attempt at immigration legislation until the fall.

Family Separation at the Border. The President defused some of the rage over the administration’s implementation of a policy separating children from parents at the southern border, but issues remain. Religious leaders from many faiths, including Pope Francis, spoke out against the policy. Significant questions regarding the policy changes remain, particularly regarding the fate of children already in detention and the possibility of extended family detention.

Immigration Reform Legislation. Congress has again tried to adopt some form of immigration reform legislation, but based on the analysis by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, neither of the bills considered by the House of Representatives on June 21 were adequate to address the problems. One bill was defeated on the House floor and the second postponed until this week.

Support for USA Act. On April 26, 2018, Bishop Joe Vasquez, on behalf of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), wrote a letter to members of Congress supporting the Act as a balanced approach to the immigration system, including relief for DREAMERS. Contact your Congress member to add your support.

Human Trafficking is an Immigration Issue. Human trafficking is a growing plague. Traffickers target vulnerable and undocumented people – some of the most vulnerable in our society. For more information, review the toolkit for National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Also, follow the efforts of the USCCB through the Trafficking Victim Assistance Program.

World Refugee Day is Coming. June 20, 2018 is a day to remember and take action for refugees. See the USCCB toolkit for helpful ideas.

Pro Family? Family Separation? Learn more about the effects of separating family members and children through an informative webinar from Justice for Immigrants.

ICYMI – What Can I Do to Accompany Immigrants? Become active in your community. Resources are available from the USCCB Justice for Immigrants Campaign.