Strengthening Families. Building Communities. Reducing Poverty. Immigration Subtitle Strengthening Families. Building Communities. Reducing Poverty.

Share the Journey Global Campaign on Migration and Immigration

Catechism ¶1911: Internal quote is from Gaudium et Spes: “The unity of the human family, embracing people who enjoy equal natural dignity, implies a universal common good. This good calls for an organization of the community of nations able to provide ‘for men’s different needs, both in the fields of social life—such as food supplies, health, education, labor and also in certain special circumstances which can crop up here and there, e.g., the need to promote the general improvement of developing countries, or to alleviate the distressing conditions in which refugees dispersed throughout the world find themselves, or also to assist migrants and their families. to alleviate the distressing conditions in which refugees dispersed throughout the world find themselves, or also to assist migrants and their families.’”

¶2211: “The political community has a duty to honor the family, to assist it, and to ensure especially… the right to private property, to free enterprise, to obtain work and housing, and the right to emigrate.” ¶2241: “The more prosperous nations are obliged, to the extend they are able, to welcome the foreigner in search of the security and means of livelihood which he cannot find in his country of origin. Public authorities should see to it that the natural right is respected that places a guest under the protection of those who receive him.” ¶2433: “Access to employment and to professions must be hope to all without unjust discrimination; men and women, healthy and disabled, natives and immigrants. For its part society should, according to circumstances, help citizens find work and employment.”

DACA Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals President Obama created an executive order for Dreamers: young children who were brought to United States from other countries. President Trump terminated DACA and said Congress must come up with a solution. Program will expire on March 6th unless Congress creates a new law.

Different Proposals “Securing America’s Future Act of 2018” H.R. 4760 Rep. Goodlatte “Immigration Reform Act of 2018” Senators Durbin and Graham “Uniting and Securing America (USA) Act of 2017” H.R.4796 Rep. Hurd and Rep. Aguilar

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Ongoing armed conflict (such as a civil war); 2. An environmental disaster (such as earthquake or hurricane) or an epidemic; or 3. Other extraordinary and temporary conditions that prevent people from safely returning home to the country.

TPS Background 10 countries designated Approximately 320,000 individuals Honduras (57,000) Haiti (50,000) El Salvador (195,000)

Find a Bipartisan Solution to Protect Dreamers. The approximately 1 Find a Bipartisan Solution to Protect Dreamers. The approximately 1.8 million Dreamers living in our country were brought to the United States as young people. They worship with us in our churches and synagogues, serve in our military, contribute to our economy, and add their many talents to American society. Provide a Path to Citizenship. Dreamers know America as their only home and should not be denied the opportunity to obtain U.S. citizenship and participate fully in civic life. Recognize the Sanctity of Families. Family immigration is the foundation of our country and of our Church. Pope Francis states, “the family unit, the family is the foundation of co-existence and a remedy against social fragmentation.” We steadfastly know that families are what holds America together. We ask you to reject legislation that threatens family-based immigration.

Recognize the Right of Nations to Control Their Borders Recognize the Right of Nations to Control Their Borders. While Catholic social teaching on migration recognizes and respects the sovereignty of each nation to regulate its borders, this right must be balanced with the right of vulnerable migrants, such as asylum seekers and victims of human trafficking, to access protection. Border security should be proportional and justly implemented. Maintain Protections for Unaccompanied Children. A solution for Dreamers cannot be at the expense of other immigrant children. Such a tradeoff would be heartless and untenable. We ask that you maintain existing protections for unaccompanied children which help prevent trafficking and abuse and ensure their access to adequate care.

What Immigration Programs Termination Mean for Immigrants A loss of legal work and educational opportunities A loss of drivers licenses for certain DACA recipient A feeling of increased fear and isolation for DACA recipients who will soon face heightened eligibility for deportation; as well as their parents who now must fear for their children as they fear for themselves Loss of added steady income for families Feelings of hopelessness and general mistrust of government

Best Practices for Addressing Immigration at Diocesan Level Have a comprehensive plan- strategies for educating parishioners, supporting undocumented, meeting local law enforcement, public education and dialoguing on the issue. Engage at the local, state and federal level of government Work with other interfaith groups on immigration issues. Create spaces for people of various backgrounds to gather and share their stories, backgrounds, successes and concerns. Build leadership among immigrants by offering formational opportunities to identify gifts and reflect roles.

Other Event Ideas Refugee Youth Consultation Panels World Refugee Day Events Community Interfaith & Ecumenical Prayer Service Social events such as Pot-Lucks, Movie Screenings and Book Readings

Charlotte News & Observer “Are immigrants taking farm jobs from US citizens? IN NC farmers say no” (July 7, 2017) “NC farmers to Congress: We need foreign workers” (February 16, 2017) Larry Wooten, President of the NC Farm bureau, said the new policy underscores the “urgency of continuing to keep pressure on Congress to fix the immigration problem.”

Strengthening Families. Building Communities. Reducing Poverty. Ending Page Strengthening Families. Building Communities. Reducing Poverty.