Catholic Charities USA urges 'next step': comprehensive immigration reform

In session
November 2006

Catholic Charities USA urges 'next step':
comprehensive immigration reform
Alexandria, VA--After President Bush signed legislation authorizing 700 miles of new fencing along the U.S.-Mexico border in October, Catholic Charities USA called on both President Bush and Congress to finish the job by acting swiftly to enact just and fair comprehensive immigration reform.

"Catholic Charities USA and its members call on the President to provide swift and immediate leadership to ensure that the next step results in just and fair immigration reform. We also call on you to ensure that this enforcement-only strategy does not stand alone as a solution to a broken system. We are counting on your leadership and commitment to reform immigration laws so they are comprehensive and balanced providing both national security and a system putting immigrants on a pathway to citizenship," said Rev. Larry Snyder, president of Catholic Charities USA.

Despite being extremely disappointed that enforcement-only is the only piece immigration reform was made into law this year, Catholic Charities USA will continue to press Congress and the administration in the weeks to come to enact comprehensive reform that:

Provides a path to lawful permanent residence and citizenship for the 11-12 million undocumented persons in the United States
Sustains and reunites families
Promotes the security of our nation
Creates greater legal avenues for necessary workers to enter the United States in the future
Integrates and promote the success of newcomers, and
Improves the economic prospects, health, labor protections, and stability of all U.S. residents, including newcomers.

Back to page top