Scripture reminds us of our call to hospitality: to welcome the stranger and care for the vulnerable. In November 2014, after months of congressional inaction to address immigration reform, President Obama issued an executive order expanding DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) and DAPA (Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Permanent Residents). These measures were a positive step toward a more humane immigration policy that values families, and allows individuals to contribute fully toward their communities and the economy without fear of deportation.
Act now: Support Humane Immigration Measures
Some members of Congress have threatened to stop the administrative relief from deportation through anti-immigrant legislative riders on appropriations funding for the Department of Homeland Security, which expires at the end of February.
Taking away this hope of a better tomorrow would be cruel and an affront to our faith calling. It would tear apart families, weaken communities and stall economic recovery and growth. Such action does not represent a thoughtful, responsible approach to immigration reform; it simply allows Congress to once again avoid the urgent task of addressing our broken immigration system.
Contact your members of Congress and urge them to reject legislation, including amendments to the Department of Homeland Security appropriations bill, that would stop, interfere or weaken DACA and DAPA.