Two years into President Joe Biden’s term, Catholic immigration leaders wonder what happened to his campaign trail pledge to create a more fair and humane immigration system. They say while some positive steps have been taken, the administration has been slow to act, increasingly political, and reliant on recycled ineffective policies.
As Title 42 draws to its scheduled close, House Republicans are planning to vote on border security legislation criticized by the U.S. bishops.
With the U.S. House of Representatives set to vote on sweeping immigration legislation this week, the U.S. bishops’ conference migration committee chair has urged legislators to oppose it, deeming it incompatible with Catholic social teaching and the nation’s commitment to humanitarian protection.
The Biden administration announced April 27 new steps it would take in an effort to reduce migrant arrivals at the U.S.-Mexico border when Title 42 expires in May.
With changes in U.S.-Mexico border policies on the horizon, Bishop Mark Seitz of El Paso acknowledged on April 24 that uncertainty remains around what will happen, but a “significant” migration surge is likely, and help is welcome.
Catholic leaders joined immigration advocates and representatives from other faiths on March 21 to protest at the U.S-Mexico border in Arizona, in front of the White House in Washington, and other locations around the country, speaking out against ongoing asylum restrictions at the U.S. border.
A faith-based organization launched a medical clinic across the U.S.-Mexico border in Ciudad Juárez over the weekend to provide medical support to migrants in need.
Jesuit Refugee Service/USA has launched the Migrant Accompaniment Network, a nationwide group of volunteers “who will engage those who have recently arrived in the U.S. with their integration into welcoming communities,” the organization said in a Sept. 14 announcement.
About a year ago, Jesuit Refugee Services USA staff at the U.S.-Mexico border realized something about many migrants’ journeys: They needed as much help settling into their final destinations as they did when they first entered the country.
Catholic Charities of Brooklyn and Queens has mobilized to help asylum seekers recently bussed to New York City from Texas. The staff hosted information sessions for about 200 people on Aug. 29 at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Brooklyn Heights. The migrants received food boxes, toiletries, a hot lunch, and fellowship.
