Catholic leaders 'regret' immigration reform collapse

Social justice news
July 2007

Catholic leaders 'regret' immigration reform collapse
In a web statement the Executive Directors of the Conference of Major Superiors of Men (CMSM) and the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) expressed their "deep regret" at the failure of Congress to pass Comprehensive Immigration Reform.

According to the statement, "The status quo is morally unacceptable, as millions of immigrants are relegated again to the shadows in our nation" and urged Congress to take up the matter before the 2008 election cycle begins.

"We acknowledge the need to protect our borders, but insist that comprehensive immigration reform must also include a path to citizenship, family reunification, and protection of workers’ rights, as called for by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops." The statement was signed by Sister Carole Shinnick, SSND, Executive Director of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious and Father Paul Lininger, OFM Conv., Executive Director of the Conference of Major Superiors of Men.

They wrote: " While the bill in the Senate was flawed, we regret that the process of coming to just and moral immigration reform was interrupted. We urge the Congress of the United States to take up much-needed immigration reform at the earliest possible date. Waiting until after the 2008 elections is not an option."

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