Federation Statement and AIC: Act Now - U.S./Mexico Border
Federation Statement and AIC: Act Now – U.S./Mexico Border
The Sisters of Charity Federation released the following statement yesterday regarding the separation of families at the United States/Mexico Border:
We, the Sisters of Charity Federation of North America, support the U.S. Catholic Bishops’ statement that separating children from their mothers and fathers at the United States/Mexico border is immoral. Protecting the integrity of families is foundational for a healthy and just society.
We also cry out against the recent decision of the U.S. Attorney General that potentially strips asylum protections for women who are victims of domestic violence. We urge the U.S. Attorney General, courts and policy makers to enhance, not erode, the potential of our asylum system to protect the right to life.
The Sisters of Charity Federation of North America is a voluntary membership association of 13 congregations of women religious that number over 2,600 sisters. Impelled by Christ’s love and joined together in the mission of Charity, we respond to the cries of people living in poverty and on the margins.
AIC (Ladies of Charity, USA) is calling us to act now to protect dreamers and end the separation of families:
The House of Representatives is poised to bring immigration legislation to the floor.
Please act now to encourage your legislators to protect the dreamers and end the practice of separation of families.
Dreamers
Speaker Ryan has stated he will bring immigration legislation to the floor next week. We do not know specifically what is coming to the floor. But, please call your Congressional representative to ask him/her to “Please pass the Dream Act.” (HR 3440) or the USA Act. (HR 4796) There is a possibility of the introduction of additional proposals. Go to justiceforimmigrants.org for up to date information.
Family Separation
The second issue is the separation of children from their parent seeking Asylum at the US borders. Click on the link below for a fact sheet prepared by the USCCB to help understand this concern. Please tell your representative that you are “strongly opposed” to this practice. Call the House switchboard (202) 224-3121 and ask to speak with your representative now!
Call the House switchboard (202) 224-3121 and ask to speak with your representative now!
Representative:
Congress must pass bipartisan legislation that would provide urgently needed relief for Dreamers. As negotiations towards such a solution continue, we request that you work towards a narrow solution that has the following elements:
- Provides 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;
- Recognizes the Sanctity of Families. Family immigration is the foundation of our country and of our Church, and we ask you to reject legislation that threatens family-based immigration; and
- Maintain Protections for Unaccompanied Children and Asylum Seekers. A solution for Dreamers cannot be at the expense of other immigrant children and those fleeing persecution.
As you work to find a solution we urge you to not sacrifice families and family unity and to stop the practice of separating families who apply for asylum at our borders.
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2 Comments
Please consider the trauma being afflicted on these children.
What kind of people we are is manifested by how we treat the most vulnerable in our midst.
Are we heartless to those suffering violence and abuse – watching their loved ones being murdered and we won’t allow them entry?
I agree with the above statement of the US Catholic Bishops. Separating children from their parents is immoral. Please stop.