Columbans Decry Congress' Failure to Prioritize Dreamers

Columbans  are extremely disappointed in Congress' refusal to pass permanent protections for Dreamers before the end of the year.      

Since our founding as a Catholic missionary society,  Columbans  have accompanied and defended the rights of migrants in communities and congregations  abroad and  here at home. Across the U.S.,  we live with and serve communities deeply affected by Congress' inhumane delay to enact permanent protections for Dreamers. 

As children of the Gospel, we honor God's  mandate  to welcome the stranger and maintain family unity. Ending the DACA program without an immediate  legislative solution  flew  in the face of both.  Each day Congress does not act, hundreds more DACA recipients will lose their status and come under threat of deportation. It is both a moral and practical imperative to pass protections well in advance of the March deadline. 

Columban Center Director Scott Wright added, “The administration's decision to rescind the DACA program  left  hundreds of thousands of families and young adults in incredibly vulnerable and uncertain situations. Now with Congress' inaction, Dreamers and their families must face the holidays without the reprieve of permanent protections.”  

As Congress passes another continuing resolution (CR) to fund the government until January 19th, we stand with Dreamers in disappointment and frustration at Congress' inability to step up in faithful leadership.  

As Catholics and people of faith, we unite  around  principles of compassion, stewardship, and justice.  In his address to Congress, Pope Francis reminded lawmakers of their fundamental responsibility: “Let us help others to grow, as we would like to be helped ourselves. In a word, if we want security, let us give security; if we want life, let us give life; if we want opportunities, let us provide opportunities. The yardstick we use for others will be the yardstick which time will use for us.”  

We call on Congress to live up to Pope Francis' reminder and pass permanent protections without additional enforcement or border security measures immediately when they return in January.