Declaración sobre la Acción Diferida para los Llegados en la Infancia >
I join with my brother bishops throughout the United States in urging our elected officials to pass legislation to protect those young people, known as “dreamers” who were brought into this country as young people by their parents and who face an uncertain future due to the recent suspension of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) protections. Last month, I wrote to Senator Rand Paul to share my concerns:
I am writing to encourage your support for preserving the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program by passing the bipartisan legislation known as the Dream Act.
As Christians, we are called by Jesus Christ to serve the least among us and as Americans, we have a heritage of welcoming those who seek to build a better life. As you know these young people were brought to the United States by their parents. Many have taken full advantage of the opportunities our nation offers, and they wish to live eventually as American citizens and pursue college and careers, pay taxes, and build families.
Most Americans (more than 90%) support this type of legislation, which would provide Dreamers with permanent residence and allow them to become citizens, provided that they meet the criteria outlined in the legislation.
I believe that this approach is consistent with our values as American and as Christians, and I hope you will support the Dream Act.
I echo the statement of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops as I pledge my support and care for these young people living in our own Archdiocese:
“As people of faith, we say to DACA youth – regardless of your immigration status, you are children of God and welcome in the Catholic Church. The Catholic Church supports you and will advocate for you.”
Most Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D.
Archbishop of Louisville
September 18, 2017
