Immigration

To stand in solidarity with immigrants.

"Regardless of their legal status, migrants, like all persons, possess inherent human dignity that should be respected. Often they are subject to punitive laws and harsh treatment from enforcement officers from both receiving and transit countries. Government policies that respect the basic human rights of the undocumented are necessary." (U.S. Catholic Bishops, "Strangers No Longer: Together on the Journey of Hope, 2003, #38).

All of us have been actively engaged in this critical concern on many levels. Some minister with immigrants, some bear witness on the border or pray and demonstrate at Detention Centers, while others work tirelessly to shape and / or change legislation regarding immigration.

Sisters of Mercy Statement on Arizona Immigration Law

Mid-Atlantic Community Response
• Lobby visits with legislators to share Catholic Social Justice teaching positions on immigration
• Letters and phone calls to legislators regarding numerous bills related to immigration
• Direct service to immigrants through sisters’ ministries
• Presence at Elizabeth Detention Center prayer vigils and demonstrations
• Participation in “Stamp Out Despair” initiative to collect writing materials for detainees
   of the Elizabeth, NJ Detention Center

Links
www.cliniclegal.org (Catholic Legal Immigration Network)
www.detentionwatchnetwork.org
www.networklobby.org
www.usccb.org (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops)

Suggested Actions
• Read and stay informed on immigration issues
• Respond to Institute Justice Team Action Alerts
• Lobby, write, call legislators on current immigration legislation
• Encourage parishes / ministries to educate re: Catholic Social Justice Teaching on immigration