Catholic Charities USA Begins Its Centennial Year With Call for Critical Immigration Reform in 2010

Applauds recent introduction of Comprehensive Immigration Reform for America's Security and Prosperity Act

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Citing its work to reduce poverty in America by 50% by 2020, Catholic Charities USA today called on the 111th Congress to take swift action to pass comprehensive immigration reform legislation in 2010.  Catholic Charities agencies and institutions see the need first-hand, assisting more than half a million immigrants and refugees a year.

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"As we begin our Centennial, our history reminds us of the long-standing plight of those individuals and families who leave their homes and their countries to come to the United States in search of a better life," said Rev. Larry Snyder, President of Catholic Charities USA and a member of the White House Council of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships. "Our commerce often prospers on the backs of these individuals. They deserve a more fair and just system. Congress must act now to provide reform while protecting our security."

Long an advocate for immigration reform and government policies that keep families together, Catholic Charities USA supports enactment of immigration policy that:

• provides lawful permanent residence and citizenship for undocumented persons
• sustains and reunites families
• promotes the security of the nation
• improves the economic prospects, health, labor protections and stability of all
• creates greater legal avenues for necessary workers to enter the U.S.

In 2010, Catholic Charities USA plans a series of Centennial Summits in major U.S. cities, beginning with San Antonio on January 21.  Immigration Reform will be among the key topics discussed as part of a forum that brings together major thought-leaders in every region and city to join Catholic Charities in its poverty reduction work.  Dialogue following each Summit will be facilitated via an on-line discussion board at www.CatholicCharitiesUSA.org.

"We're happy to see members of the U.S. House of Representatives seeking a solution to our nation's immigration crisis," Fr. Snyder added.  "We applaud the leadership of Congressmen Gutierrez and Ortiz and other bill supporters, as well as the efforts of many partner organizations dedicated to resolving this issue."

Please reference www.justiceforimmigrants.org and www.usccb.org/mrs/nmw/index.shtml for additional information and action items on this front.

Catholic Charities USA's members—more than 1,700 local Catholic Charities agencies and institutions nationwide—provide help and create hope for 8.5 million people a year regardless of religious, social, or economic backgrounds. For almost 300 years, Catholic Charities agencies have worked to reduce poverty by providing a myriad of vital services in their communities, ranging from health care and job training to food and housing. In 2010, Catholic Charities USA celebrates its centennial anniversary. For more information, visit www.CatholicCharitiesUSA.org.

SOURCE Catholic Charities USA