Toward an Ever Wider “We.” This is the theme Pope Francis has chosen for the 107th World Day of Migrants and Refugees scheduled for September 2021. Read the Holy Father’s message for the occasion. The Good Samaritan story is central in Pope Francis encyclical Fratelli Tutti and guides the church and all humanity ‘Towards an … Read more
Pope Francis: “Vaccines for all.” “Vaccines for all, especially for the most vulnerable and needy of all regions of the planet.” (Pope Francis, January 2021). See Vatican resources for church leaders. Want to discuss migration and Fratelli Tutti? Pope Francis discusses migration extensively in his most recent encyclical Fratelli Tutti. Take time to study the … Read more
Welcome, protect, promote, integrate. These four verbs express Pope Francis’ teaching on the acceptance of immigrants and refugees. Children, particularly those traveling without adult care, need this type of care, but rarely receive it in detention centers. The bishops of Mexico and the United States border dioceses continue to advocate for the Holy Father’s vision. … Read more
What can the Pope teach about immigration? From the earliest days of his pontificate Pope Francis has called the human family to solidarity with migrating people. See a summary of what the pope is teaching. Fratelli Tutti and immigration. Fratelli Tutti, the encyclical of Pope Francis, extensively addresses the needs of immigrating people and the … Read more
New Americans Campaign. In 2011, a diverse nonpartisan national network of respected immigration organizations, legal services providers, faith-based organizations, immigrant rights groups, foundations and community leaders, including the Catholic Legal Immigration Network (CLINIC), founded the New Americans Campaign. Now ten years old, the campaign educates and informs those eligible for naturalization. See the benefits of … Read more
Why are there unaccompanied children at the border? Why would parents send children on a treacherous journey from their homes in Central America to the United States? Justice for Immigrants has published a backgrounder and frequently asked questions. Employment authorization documents (EAD). An EAD is extremely important to immigrants and refugees, but it is often … Read more
Archbishop Hartmayer speaks on horrific murder of Asian women. People of good will were horrified by the violent deaths of eight people, six of whom were Asian. Our archbishop reacted with compassion and a request for prayer. He said, “We must speak up against any aggression and we must be active in our pursuit to … Read more
Temporary Protected Status for Venezuelans. Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a temporary immigration status given to eligible nationals of designated countries who are present in the United States and who come from some countries affected by armed conflict or natural disaster. Situations, which are often a matter of life and death because of the dangers … Read more
Archbishop Hartmayer supports repeal of death penalty in Georgia. House Bill 485 would repeal the death penalty in Georgia. See Archbishop Hartmayer’s strong statement supporting the bill. Biden Administration challenged by increasing number of unaccompanied children. President Joe Biden pledged to provide more humane treatment for unaccompanied children at the southern border; however, the numbers … Read more
Pray the rosary during Lent. As you pray the mysteries of the rosary during Lent (and other times as well), remember our migrating brothers and sisters with the rosary for vulnerable migrants populations. Executive orders. The Biden administration continues to affect immigration law and practice with executive orders making major changes to those issued by … Read more