Migration has been a consistent aspect of the human experience throughout history and continues to be a defining characteristic of the United States.
But our current immigration system is broken. President Obama and several members of Congress have promised to fix it by supporting safe, legal and orderly migration and providing opportunities for undocumented immigrants to legalize.
Sweeping support for comprehensive immigration reform is necessary. And with the help of many people like you coming together to urge for change, we can accomplish this. Catholic Relief Services is calling upon the Christian community to welcome our brothers and sisters with love and compassion, regardless of their place of birth, as Jesus Christ has also called them to do.
You can bring about changes in immigration policy by calling on Congress to support comprehensive immigration reform.
In the New Testament, Jesus tells us to welcome the stranger, for "what you do to the least of my brethren, you do unto me." (Matthew 25:40)
That is why I urge you to support comprehensive immigration reform that addresses the root causes of migration, secures our borders, restores the rule of law and legalizes the status of immigrants in our country.
I believe that people have the right to remain in their country in safety. At the same time, people who have few alternatives but to migrate or flee their homes should be protected and their human rights promoted.
Therefore I urge you to enact the following provisions into law:
* An earned legalization program for undocumented immigrants that includes a path to citizenship;
* A temporary worker program that includes worker protections for both U.S. and immigrant workers and the option for a path to citizenship;
* A more efficient process to reunite immigrant families who have been separated because of huge administrative backlogs;
* Restoration of due process protections for immigrants; and
* Policies that address the root causes of migration by supporting economic development initiatives in sending countries.
[Your comment]
Thank you for your attention to this critical issue.
