Category Archives: Articles

Comprehensive Immigration Report No. 324

Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Litany of Loreto). Showing again his closeness and concern for migrating people, Pope Francis asked that the traditional Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary, also known as the Litany of Loreto, have three added invocations seeking Mary’s intercession under the titles “Mother of mercy,” “Mother of hope” and “Solace of migrants.”

How to integrate immigrants into your community. The Catholic Legal Immigration Network “believes that the most successful integration initiatives are local and seek input, buy-in and participation from a wide range of groups, individuals and institutions of both the receiving and newcomer community. This white paper will guide your organization through this process to help you design, implement, evaluate and reassess your integration initiatives while demonstrating how to actively promote integration in your community.”

Asylum seekers (a continuing story). El Paso Bishop Mark Seitz crossed the border to Ciudad Juárez where he lamented his expectation that the “fundamental right to asylum here at the border really is effectively over.” Based on the current Administration policy of keeping asylum seekers in camps in Mexico as well as the recent Supreme Court decision denying court review of border patrol agent decisions regarding asylum seekers, the United States will no longer be open to persecuted refugees seeking asylum.

ICYMI – COVID-19 affects us all. Keep up to date with the latest information on testing and protection as it affects everyone, including migrant and refugee populations. Justice for Immigrants provides resources.

Comprehensive Immigration Report No. 323

Supreme Court denies asylum seekers right to court review. In a 7-2 decision, the United States Supreme Court ruled this week that asylum seekers, including those detained near the United States border, have no right to court review if they fail an initial asylum screening by federal officials. Those seekers may be immediately deported. Catholic immigration advocates decried the decision.

Urge senators to help Dreamers. While the Supreme Court preserved the Deferred Action Childhood Arrival (DACA) program for the time being, a permanent solution for these young people is necessary. The United States House of Representatives has adopted legislation to allow a path to citizenship, but the Senate has taken no action. You can have your voice heard by joining the Justice for Immigrants campaign urging the Senate to act. Furloughs for USCIS employees will hurt those seeking citizenship or other status changes. Thousands of homeland security employees who oversee the nation’s citizenship and visa process will be getting furlough notices unless Congress comes through with the emergency funding sought by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Visa and citizenship applications will be delayed. The Chair of the USCCB Committee on Migration, Bishop Mario Dorsonville, has outlined in detail what is needed to continue the visa and citizenship processing work of USCIS.

Immigration issues change rapidly, stay up to date. Head to http://justiceforimmigrants.org and scroll to the bottom of any page. You will find a form to fill out and then, you will get the updates!

ICYM – Supreme Court preserves DACA, for the time being. The United States Supreme Court ruled on Thursday, June 18, that the Trump Administration had acted unlawfully in the way it attempted to terminate the DACA program. Hence, DACA remains in effect; however, procedurally the Administration can try to rectify its mistakes and try to properly end the program. The ramifications of this decision are not yet completely known but we continue to follow developments. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Justice for Immigrants and many Catholic leaders, including Archbishop Gregory J. Hartmayer, welcomed the decision while encouraging the president and the Congress to work for a comprehensive solution for all needing a path to citizenship.

Comprehensive Immigration Report No. 322

Supreme Court preserves DACA – for the time being. The United States Supreme Court ruled on Thursday, June 18, that the Trump Administration had acted unlawfully in the way it attempted to terminate the DACA program. Hence, DACA remains in effect; however, procedurally the Administration can try to rectify its mistakes and try to properly end the program. The ramifications of this decision are not yet completely known but we continue to follow developments. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops , Catholic Legal Immigration Network , Justice for Immigrants and many Catholic leaders, including Archbishop Gregory J. Hartmayer, welcomed the decision while encouraging the president and the Congress to work for a comprehensive solution for all needing a path to citizenship.

Human trafficking – Georgia General Assembly. As the Archdiocese of Atlanta focuses on human trafficking and all its horror during the month of June, the Georgia General Assembly is taking some positive actions to help reduce labor and sex trafficking in Georgia. House Bill 823 provide for a lifetime disqualification from operating a commercial motor vehicle by persons convicted of trafficking other persons for labor or sexual servitude while using a commercial motor vehicle.

Comprehensive Immigration Report No. 321

Pope Francis. “We cannot tolerate or turn a blind eye to racism and exclusion in any form and yet claim to defend the sacredness of every human life.” https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2020-06/pope-francis-usa-george-floyd-protests-no-racism-violence.html. See a local view on the same issue here.

Young Latino leader gathering. Georgetown University and the Archdiocese of Washington sponsored a gathering for young Latino Catholics to discuss key issues and personal stories about faith and public life from distinguished Latinos and other leaders. Part of Georgetown’s Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life, the gathering brought together distinguished speakers for discussion of racism and the effect of COVID-19 on Latino and other communities. Read the key presentations and other resources here.

The 2020 Census is not over and participation is still necessary. As the census continues, it is important that all residents of the United States on April 1 be counted, without regard to citizenship or legal status. Justice for Immigrants shares information on immigrant participation here.

COVID-19 affects us all. Keep up to date with the latest information on testing and protection as it affects everyone, including migrant and refugee populations. Justice for Immigrants provides resources.

Human Trafficking. As the Archdiocese of Atlanta focuses on human trafficking and all its horror during the month of June, take the opportunity to study the new human trafficking resources that Justice for Immigrants continues to develop.

ICYMI – Pray the rosary for migrant vulnerable populations. Justice for Immigrants proposes five different sets of rosary meditations for migrant vulnerable populations. In addition, the Archdiocese of Atlanta Justice and Peace Ministries has designated June as Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Pray and learn from the information availab

Comprehensive Immigration Report No. 320

Prepare for World Refugee Day. World Refugee Day is coming on Saturday, June 20. Learn the difference between refugees and immigrants, find prayers for refugees, learn accurate facts and other information that will increase your understanding of an important human rights issue. See this Justice for Immigrants Toolkit.

Immigration and racism are related. Migrants face many obstacles as they seek freedom from oppression and racial discrimination, covert and otherwise. Catholic Legal Immigration Network (CLINIC) demonstrated the connection in its recent statement standing against racism.

Immigration lawyers. In the best of times, the practice of immigration law is complex and difficult. In today’s world, the COVID-19 pandemic, sheltering in place and the virus of racism reflected in the death of George Floyd, not to mention the increasingly restrictive policies of the federal administration, make the representation of immigrants and refugees even more challenging. Anna Gallagher, Executive Director of the Catholic Legal Immigration Network (CLINIC) described some of those challenges at the southern border of the United States and the ways CLINIC and affiliated agencies are responding.

Inspiration at the border. For inspiration, see Sister Norma Pimentel’s TED talk on Restoring Human Dignity at the Border.

ICYMI – Keep up to date. Justice for Immigrants offers current information delivered to your inbox. Sign up for their alerts today. It is simple. Go to http://justiceforimmigrants.org and scroll to the bottom of any page, then fill out the form. You will get action alerts, webinar updates and more!

Comprehensive Immigration Report No. 319

Pray the rosary for migrant vulnerable populations. Justice for Immigrants proposes five different sets of rosary meditations for migrant vulnerable populations. Wednesday is the day to pray for an end to human trafficking. The Archdiocese of Atlanta Justice and Peace Ministries has designated June as Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Pray and learn from the information available here.

Victims of domestic abuse, family violence or child abuse. Even an immigrant, refugee or individual without documentation has rights if they are a victim of abuse. Catholic Charities Atlanta Immigration Legal Services provides low cost legal services and specializes in assisting survivors of domestic violence, abandoned or neglected foreign children, detained clients, and victims of trafficking and crimes. See more information here.

Coronavirus can affect anyone, but those without access to healthcare are especially vulnerable. Immigrants and refugees, particularly those serving on the frontlines, are vulnerable and need to know what is available. Justice for Immigrants offers valuable information on its resource pages. Educate yourself and share information with those who need it.

ICYMI – Anti-trafficking newsletter. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Migration and Refugee Services now has a newsletter bringing together important and useful information on sex and labor trafficking. Read it hot off the press.

Comprehensive Immigration Report No. 318

Anti-trafficking newsletter. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Migration and Refugee Services now has a newsletter bringing together important and useful information on sex and labor trafficking. Read it hot off the press.

How often have you heard we are all in this together? This has become a common phrase during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the “all” needs to include all those on the front lines whatever their legal status. Read the observations of Bishop Mario Dorsonville, Auxiliary Bishop of Washington and chair of the USCCB Committee on Migration.

Stranded in the United States. The current administration continues policies that strand asylum seekers, including parents with small children, in detention facilities in the United States, often in violation of federal and international law. Read a report, along with associated prayers, from Jesuit Refugee Services (JRS) about the people who are affected.

ICYMI – What can DACA registrants do? As of today, the Supreme Court has not ruled on the question of whether the DACA program can be terminated by the current administration’s executive order although it is expected to do so in the near future. In the meantime, what should those who are eligible do? Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. offers brief advice, but those who need to take action should act without delay.

Keep up to date. Justice for Immigrants offers current information delivered to your inbox. Sign up for their alerts today. It is simple. Go to http://justiceforimmigrants.org and scroll to the bottom of any page, then fill out the form. You will get action alerts, webinar updates and more!

Comprehensive Immigration Report No. 316

Welcome Archbishop Gregory Hartmayer! As bishop of Savannah, the new archbishop of Atlanta showed pastoral care for immigrants and refugees in south Georgia. He now brings that same care to north and central Georgia. In addition to his care of the local Church, Archbishop Hartmayer serves on the board of the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. Ad Multos Annos!

What is DACA and why is a Supreme Court decision important? The Obama administration established the Deferred Action Childhood Arrival (DACA) program by executive order to defer immigration enforcement against individuals brought to the United States at a young age with hope that Congress would soon establish a permanent immigration reform. The Trump administration attempted to end the program but federal courts prevented the administration’s action. The United States Supreme Court is expected to release a final determination that will affect the status of hundreds of thousands of DACA recipients as soon as this week and as late as the end of June. Read more background of this case here. Also, President John Garvey of Catholic University of America has expressed his opinion and support for DACA recipients.

Migration is about more than numbers. We have all seen statistics about migrants and refugees but behind every number there is a person and every person has a story. More than numbers, stories of real people draw the picture of migration in the United States and throughout the world. Justice for Immigrants gathers stories and shares them through its faces of migration webpage. Anyone with a story to tell can contact JFI through that page.

ICYMI – It’s quick and easy. It’s not too late. It’s secure. Respond today. An accurate census is important for our future apportionment of legislative representation and allocation of social benefits. Everyone counts whether documented or not. Respond online.

Comprehensive Immigration Report No. 315

COVID-19 is still an issue. Ending shelter-in-place orders, resources for policy, education and prayer are still needed. Justice for Immigrants has expanded its COVID 19 resource page to

It’s quick and easy. It’s not too late. It’s secure. Respond today. An accurate census is important for our future apportionment of legislative representation and allocation of social benefits. Everyone counts whether documented or not. Respond online.

Many are sheltering, but traffickers are working. As the economy deteriorates, financial pressure increases on the poor, especially the immigrant poor. Human traffickers seek out those in need to exploit them in their weakness. Keep trafficking victims in mind and study JFI’s Human Trafficking Tool Kit. As Pope Francis has said, “Human trafficking is a crime against all humanity. We must unite our efforts to free victims and stop this crime.”

U.S. citizens married to immigrants are not getting stimulus checks. The recently passed federal CARES Act provides for checks up to $1,200.00 to U.S citizens but citizens married to immigrants who do not have social security numbers and their children do not get a check even though some of those immigrants are working in essential services.

UPDATE: The Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund has sued the federal government over its denial of coronavirus relief payments to U.S. citizens who are married to immigrants without social security numbers. It is estimated that two million citizens or lawful permanent residents are impacted.

ICYMI – Pray the rosary for migrating peoples. CLINIC offers an explanation of the rosary and invites Catholics and individuals of good will to join in praying the rosary with meditations related to migrants.

Comprehensive Immigration Report No. 314

President issues declaration suspending entry of certain immigrants. On April 22, President Donald Trump issued a declaration suspending entry of specified immigrants for at least the next sixty days. There are a number of exemptions and exclusions, such as essential workers, including in health care, nuclear family members and temporary workers. Get a detailed summary of the declaration here.

CLINIC Chair Jaime Soto, Bishop of Sacramento, joined other USCCB committee chairs in decrying the proclamation, saying: “There is little evidence that immigrants take away jobs from citizens. Immigrants and citizens together are partners in reviving the nation’s economy. We must always remember that we are all sons and daughters of God joined together as one human family.”

U.S. citizens married to immigrants are not getting stimulus checks. The recently passed federal CARES Act provides for checks up to $1,200.00 to U.S citizens, but citizens married to immigrants who do not have social security numbers and their children do not get a check even though some of those immigrants are working in essential services.

Pray the rosary for migrating peoples. CLINIC offers an explanation of the rosary and invites Catholics and individuals of good will to join in praying the rosary with meditations related to migrants.

ICYM – Call your lawyer. If you are represented by an attorney, it is important to keep in touch. With so many changes due to social distancing and isolation, do not assume that an immigration court case will be postponed. Many immigration courts are open and rights can be lost if you fail to appear in the court as scheduled. Ask your lawyer when your case is scheduled.