Statue of Liberty welcomes immigrants. We, the Sisters of Charity of New York, are deeply concerned about the situation of young persons affected by the suspension of DACA protections. DACA was a common-sense path to stability for families, communities, and local economies, and a reaffirmation of American values. Ending DACA will cause irreparable harm to our families and communities and force 800,000 of our young people back into the shadows.

We all personally know many of these Dreamers who were brought to the U.S. as young children by their parents. This is an issue of justice, and the gospel demands we speak out. Let us join our voices to organizations such as the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, and Network Lobby, which are urging Congress to act on the behalf of Dreamers by passing the bipartisan Dream Act of 2017. Please act promptly in calling our representatives and considering the suggestions below.

Below are opportunities to educate ourselves and to address the urgent issue of racism.

The Leadership Team


Suggestion 1:

Please make three important calls TODAY! Call your Representative (1-888-496-3502) and call each of your Senators (1-888-410-0619). Call twice to be connected to both Senators.

Suggested text:

My name is [NAME] and I am a constituent from [CITY/STATE]. I am outraged that President Trump announced the end of DACA today. I urge you to do everything in your power to protect Dreamers by making sure the bipartisan Dream Act 2017 becomes law. As Catholic sister and a member of [ YOUR CONGREGATION], our faith calls us to love our neighbor. DACA recipients are contributing members of our communities. They are Americans in all things but citizenship. They deserve our protection.

 Will the [SENATOR/REPRESENTATIVE] do all they can to pass the bipartisan Dream Act 2017, so that DACA recipients gain protection under the law? Thank you for your time.


Suggestion 2:

We ask you to renew your support for DREAMers by urging your Senators to co-sponsor, S. 1615 and your Representative to co-sponsor H.R. 3440. You could use this text for a letter or you could send the following messages by clicking HERE:

Dear Senator,

 As a person of faith, I stand with the U.S. Catholic Bishops and write to express my strong support for the “Dream Act of 2017” (S. 1615). The young people protected by this bill are contributors to our economy, veterans of our military, academic standouts in our universities, and leaders in our parishes and communities. As Catholics, we have long supported DREAMers as we believe in protecting the dignity of every human being, especially that of our children. Among those protected by this bill are Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients, a program that has benefited over 780,000 young people. DACA has ensured that recipients are able to live their lives free of the anxiety that they could be deported at any time to a country they do not know and separated from their families. We believe immigrant youth deserve continued protection and a path to citizenship.

I urge you to:

  • Support and co-sponsor S. 1615, the Dream Act of 2017; and
  • Continue to work towards larger legislative reform of our immigration laws.

The faith community stands with you in support of the DREAM Act of 2017, S. 1615, and vows to work with you to reform our immigration system in a humane and common-sense manner.

 

Dear Representative,

 As a person of faith, I stand with the U.S. Catholic Bishops and write to express my strong support for the “Dream Act of 2017” (H.R. 3440). The young people protected by this bill are contributors to our economy, veterans of our military, academic standouts in our universities, and leaders in our parishes and communities. As Catholics, we have long supported DREAMers as we believe in protecting the dignity of every human being, especially that of our children. Among those protected by this bill are Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients, a program that has benefited over 780,000 young people. DACA has ensured that recipients are able to live their lives free of the anxiety that they could be deported at any time to a country they do not know and separated from their families. We believe immigrant youth deserve continued protection and a path to citizenship.

I urge you to:

  • Support and co-sponsor HR. 3440 the Dream Act of 2017; and
  • Continue to work towards larger legislative reform of our immigration laws.

The faith community stands with you in support of the DREAM Act of 2017, H.R. 3440, and vows to work with you to reform our immigration system in a humane and common-sense manner.


Suggestion 3:

Learn more about the Dream Act 2017 https://www.nilc.org/issues/immigration-reform-and-executive-actions/dreamact/dream-act-2017-summary-and-faq/


Suggestion 4:

TWO CMSV Events on Racism sponsored by Sr. Eileen Fagan and Dr. Daniel Opler, Co-chairs of the Social Justice Discussion Committee:

  1. Wednesday, October 18, 2017, 4:00 PM: Race in America: A Panel and Discussion (Benedict’s), Faculty panel with Dr. David Aliano, Dr. Al D’Anca, Sr. Andrea Dixon, Dr. Charles Flynn, Br. Christian Seno, and Dr. Jackie Zubeck, A discussion will follow.
  2. Wednesday, November 8, 4:00 PM: Values Forum with Father Bryan Massingale, Professor of Theological and Social Ethics, and author of Racial Justice and the Catholic Church, will give a talk on race and Catholic social justice. (President’s Reception Room)