Brooklyn Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, along with Catholic bishops from across the country, is taking part in the #iMarch campaign, a national day of action for immigration reform, on Wednesday, Dec. 6.

In a 40-second social media video and a 30-second radio spot, Bishop DiMarzio calls on Congress to act now to protect hundreds of thousands of young people from deportation. These young people, known as Dreamers, were children when their parents brought them to the United States. They now face deportation because the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program has been terminated.  The DACA program is set to expire in March 2018, unless Congress comes up with a legislative alternative.

The video message is being shared on Facebook and Twitter. The radio spot is airing on 1010 WINS, WOR, and 106.7 FM.

In his messages, Bishop DiMarzio says, “America is a beacon of hope, and these innocent young people, have done nothing wrong and should not be punished.  They should not be forced to leave America which is their home. Congress must pass legislation that allows them to stay, study and work legally in the United States.”

The #iMarch campaign was launched by the New American Economy, a group of republican, democratic, and independent mayors and business leaders who support immigration reform that will help create jobs for Americans. Dreamers, along with faith, business, education, agricultural, and political leaders are being asked to participate.

The Wednesday, Dec. 6 day of action will extend through Thursday, Dec. 7, with a number of cities planning events on the second day.