USCCB - (Office of Media Relations) - Catholic Leaders to Launch Immigration Reform Campaign

Catholic Leaders to Launch Immigration Reform Campaign

WASHINGTON (May 9, 2005)—Comprehensive immigration reform—including a broad legalization program—is the goal of a national campaign among Catholics in the United States to be launched Tuesday, May 10, in Washington, D.C. Church leaders will announce a new effort to educate and galvanize Catholics of the need for "justice for immigrants," and to challenge President Bush and Congress to adopt reform measures built on principles issued by U.S. and Mexican bishops in 2003.

The four principles include: legalization for the undocumented; expanded opportunities for legal entry for work and family reunification; establishment of an appropriate and effective temporary workers program; and re-establishment of due process rights and other legal safeguards.

WHO:

Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick of Washington, D.C.

Bishop James A. Tamayo of Laredo, Texas

Celia Rivas, Spanish Catholic Center, Gaithersburg, MD and an affected immigrant.

WHAT:
The official launch of Justice for Immigrants: The Catholic Campaign for Immigration Reform. Twenty Catholic organizations with national networks have formed a national campaign designed to unite and mobilize a growing network of Catholic institutions and individuals in support of a broad legalization program and comprehensive immigration reform.

WHEN:

Tuesday, May 10, 2005

10:00 a.m.

WHERE:
James Cardinal Hickey Center
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington
924 G Street NW
Washington, DC

List of member organizations for Justice for Immigrants

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)

Migration and Refugee Services

Catholic Campaign for Human Development

Domestic Social Development

International Justice and Peace

Office of Hispanic Affairs

Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC)

Catholic Health Association (CHA)

Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA)

Catholic Relief Services (CRS)

National Catholic Association of Diocesan Directors of Hispanic Ministry (NCADDHM)

National Council of Catholic Women (NCCW)

National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA)

U.S. Jesuit Conference

Leadership Conference of Women Religious

Conference of Major Superiors of Men

National Association of State Catholic Conference Directors (NASCCD)

Catholic Migrant Farmworker Network

Roundtable Association of Diocesan Social Action Directors

The Irish Apostolate, USA