immigration policy
Catholic Colleges Host Events in Solidarity with Immigrants
Twelve Catholic colleges and universities hosted events in solidarity with immigrant brothers and sisters on January 19, as a part of the Ignatian Solidarity Network‘s call to prayer, Prayers of Light.
Saint Peter’s University hosted a prayer service featuring a student choir and students sharing their experience of being undocumented. The service ended with an opportunity to contact Congress on behalf of humane immigration policies.
Students at Loyola University Maryland held a walking candlelight vigil during the busy lunch hour at the campus student center.
Other colleges and universities that held events for the day of prayer include: Fairfield University, Xavier University, John Carroll University, Canisius College, Loyola University of Chicago, Marquette University, Saint Louis University, Gonzaga University, University of San Francisco, and Spring Hill College.
The purpose of the call to prayer was to illuminate, through solidarity and action, the dignity of our immigrant brothers and sisters, and the value of each person’s contribution to our country. To see prayers and resources related to the event, visit the Ignatian Solidarity Network website.
How are you practicing solidarity on your campus? Share your story with us! Email Lexie Bradley.
Catholic College and University Presidents Sign Statement of Support for Undocumented Students
Over 100 Catholic college and university presidents have signed a statement of support of undocumented students. The statement, sponsored by ACCU, pledges support of students who have been approved for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and expresses hope that their studies will be allowed to continue uninterrupted. Those who signed “pledge to support these students – through our campus counseling and ministry support, through legal resources from those campuses with law schools and legal clinics, and through whatever other services we may have at our disposal.”
The statement reflects on Pope Francis’ commitment to immigrants and refugees, especially in his recent visit to the United States. The statement included signatures of presidents of Catholic colleges and universities from across the country. They find support in the long history of American Catholic higher education institutions educating students from diverse backgrounds and welcoming those on the margins.
Read the full statement on the ACCU website.
Food for Thought Friday: Archbishop Gomez on Immigration
Food for Thought Friday: Los Angeles Archbishop José H. Gomez spoke at Boston College on immigration last month. He stressed the need to remember the people amid the statistics. Amid considerations on immigration policies, the Archbishop pointed out how “it’s also important to remember that behind every “statistic” is a soul — a soul who has dignity as a child of God, a soul who has rights and needs that are both spiritual and material.”
Read the full remarks here.
Georgetown University to Host Discussion for Latino Leaders on Immigration
On Wednesday, June 29, 2016, Georgetown University’s Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life will host a discussion on immigration led by and for young Latino leaders.
The Initiative’s event Immigration Experiences: Human, Political, and Economic Dimensions will explore the “ethical questions at the heart of immigration” from the perspective of Latino leaders and experts in the field. Three leaders will first give an account of their migration stories, followed by a panel discussion of the policy and economic issues around immigration. The panel speakers include:
- Luis Cardona, director, Street Outreach Network, Children, Youth, and Family Services, Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services;
- Ashley Feasley, director of advocacy for the Catholic Legal Immigration Network (CLINIC) and adjunct professor of law at Catholic University of America;
- Antonio Tijerino, president and CEO of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation and executive producer of the Hispanic Heritage Awards.
After the panel José Miguel Pulido, founder of Catholic Latino Leadership Initiative, will give the closing remarks.
The event includes a reception from 6:00-6:30 pm, with the panel discussion beginning at 6:30 and ending at 8:00 pm. It will be held in the North Conference Room of the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in Washington, DC.
How does your college or university explore the human dimensions of immigration? Let us know!
University of St. Thomas Hosts Talk on Immigration Reform
On Friday, March 18, 2016, The University of St. Thomas (MN) School of Law and the Terrence J. Murphy Institute for Catholic Thought, Law, and Public Policy hosted “Hot Topics: Cool Talk – Immigration Reform: Economic and Pastoral Perspectives.” Attendees heard from Dr. Deborah Rho, an assistant professor of economics, who spoke on the economic factors and impacts of immigration in the United States. Additionally, Rev. T. Michael Rock, pastor of Robbinsdale Church of Christ, will share his parish’s experiences in hosting undocumented immigrant families.
The event was part of the University’s Law Journal Spring Symposium, which focuses on Sanctuary Cities and the relationship between government authorities and civil society around immigration policy. A video of the event is available on their website.
ACCU Peace and Justice 