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May 21 – 29 Week for Oblate Novena of Prayers: A Call of Solidarity for Immigration Reform May 21st, 2010
From May 21st to May 29th, Missionary Oblate communities and parishes around the world are encouraged to participate in actions of prayer and reflection for vocations to Oblate life and mission. May 21 is the Feast of St. Eugene and May 29 is the anniversary of Blessed Joseph Gerard, the Oblate Missionary who worked in Lesotho. These nine days bring oblates, associates, parishioners, mission partners and friends together in prayer and reflection on oblate life and mission.
As an addition to the Oblate JPIC immigration advocacy work and several prayer vigils for immigration reform across the United States, this week of prayers provides an opportunity to engage in prayer of solidarity for those living on the margins of society. Especially vulnerable are the millions of immigrants who live in constant fear of deportation and family separation due to their immigration status.
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CMSM and LCWR Executive Directors Call for Needed Immigraton Reform May 14th, 2010
The Executive Directors of the Conference of Major Superiors of Men and the Leadership Conference of Women Religious have issued a letter highlighting the need for urgent immigration reform. Their letter is in response to the recent “draconian enforcement-only legislation in the state of Arizona.”
Recognizing the right of the United States to control its borders, the religious leaders emphasize that “a just and humane approach to immigration reform must include a path to citizenship, family reunification and protection of workers’ rights.”
Read their letter (Download PDF)
Senate Democrats Unveil Immigration Reform Proposal April 30th, 2010
On April 29, 2010, Senate Democrats in the United States Congress released their immigration-reform proposal – Real Enforcement with Practical Answers for Immigration Reform” (REPAIR) Act to repair the broken immigration system.
Highlights of the proposal include:
- registration and an acceptance of responsibility program for undocumented immigrants in the U.S. a path to “Lawful Prospective Immigrant” status
- immediate green cards for foreign students who have obtained an advanced degree from a U.S. academic institution of higher education in particular fields and who have an offer of employment from a U.S. employer.
The REPAIR act also has provisions for Detention standards and protections; and includes DREAM ACT and AGJOBS legislation.
The Missionary Oblates JPIC office welcome the introduction of this proposal — The Real Enforcement with Practical Answers for Immigration Reform (REPAIR) which was announced by Senators Harry Reid (D-NV), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Charles Schumer (D-NY), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), and Robert Menendez (D-NJ). The REPAIR proposal provides a legislative opportunity for Members of Congress to come together and enact a lasting solution to the problem of undocumented immigrants that continues to affect millions of families and communities every day.
The REPAIR proposal is an important first attempt to fix the broken immigration system in the United States and will be the focus of much debate in the coming months. Comprehensive Immigration reform can no longer wait. The status quo is badly broken and needs immediate repair.
May Day: Marching for Immigration Reform and Standing Against Arizona Law SB1070 April 27th, 2010
On May 1, people in communities all over the world will commemorate International Workers’ Day, also known as May Day. For Catholics, it is the feast of feast of St. Joseph the Worker which was established by Pope Pius XII in 1955, dedicated to honor the dignity of all workers and labor.
Tens of thousands of immigrants, faith leaders, labor groups, community business leaders and immigrant rights groups will once again hold major demonstrations from coast to coast in the US in support of comprehensive immigration reform. The US Catholic Bishops’ Justice for Immigrants program has dedicated the weekend of May 1-2 as a time of prayer for immigrants.
The theme for the May Day March and Rally is to demand action from Congress and the Obama Administration on the following:
- Immigration Reform legislation in 2010 for workers, families and youth,
- A stop to the deportations and family separations
- Protection of workers’ rights and good jobs for all
You can show your support by finding a local march in which to participate.
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New OMI JPIC Immigration Resource Available April 22nd, 2010
The OMI JPIC Office has launched a new resource on immigration. The 11 page booklet contains educational and advocacy tips about issues related to needed immigration reform. Now that health care is finally off the Congressional legislative agenda, representatives may be able to take up this pressing issue.
The booklet, “Oblate JPIC Immigration Resource: Immigration is Matter of Faith” is designed to offer insights useful in discussing immigration reform and exploring possibilities for solidarity with immigrants. Contents include:
- Faith communities concern for migrants; Questions for Reflections; Catholic Social Teaching on Migration
- Why Comprehensive Immigration is good; Current Immigration legislation in Congress.
- Principles for humane immigration policies and reasonable border control
- Talking Points on immigration and ways to express solidarity with Immigrants
- Quotes by Oblates reflecting about migration
Download the immigration resource here. (Download PDF)
Updates will be made as an immigration reform bill nears the congressional floor for debate.
