Migration week to highlight solidarity with immigrants, refugees

Social justice news
January 2006

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USCCB adopts "fair trade" policy

Migration week to highlight solidarity with immigrants, refugees
In announcing the upcoming 25th annual weeklong observation with its theme "Journey to Justice," Bishop Gerald B. Barnes of San Bernardino, Calif., chairman of the bishops' Committee on Migration, said all people are called to make a journey "in solidarity with migrants, immigrants, refugees, human trafficking victims and other people on the move seeking justice and peace."

"Never has this call to solidarity been needed more than today," he added. "Too often those who have come to our land seeking a better life for themselves and their families face discrimination and exploitation."

The bishop stressed that National Migration Week provides a good opportunity for parishes and schools to address issues facing immigrants and to find ways to learn more or help others in their community. He suggested that parish and school leaders could increase their awareness of these issues by looking into the Justice for Immigrants campaign launched this year by more than a dozen church organizations and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

The campaign is intended to educate the public, and Catholics in particular, about how immigration and immigrants benefit the nation; to improve public opinion about the contributions of immigrants; to advocate for changes in immigration laws and policies; and to organize networks that assist immigrants with legal problems. More information on the campaign can be found online at www.justiceforimmigrants.org.

The campaign's Web site and materials from the bishops' migration committee, on the Web at www.usccb.org/mrs/nmw.shtml, provide resources for parishes and schools to use during National Migration Week.

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