Columbans Call for Humane and Just Immigration Reform

June 23, 2016

Contact: Jenny Labbadia, Communications and Outreach Associate

Office: 202-635-5812, Email: jlabbadia@columban.org

Washington, DC- Columban missionaries are disappointed in today's split decision by the Supreme Court on United States v. Texas. The split decision in this case leaves millions of families, including those in Columban parishes and communities, in fear of being separated and torn apart. Our faith tradition calls us to do better, to have compassion, and to welcome the stranger. In the face of this decision, we will continue to seek justice for our migrant sisters and brothers.

Fr. Robert Mosher, Director of the Columban Mission Center in El Paso, Texas added, “The battle for the expansion of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA+) and Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) under the present administration is over. The struggle continues, however, as we strive to ensure decent treatment for people who have contributed to our society and have decided to make their home among us.”

Columbans stand alongside those families affected by today's decision. We will continue to work for permanent and lasting reform to our immigration system so we no longer see families and communities traumatized by inhumane treatment including raids, detention, and deportation. Now, more than ever, we call on both Congress and the administration to uphold the values of family unity and human dignity.

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The Columban Center for Advocacy and Outreach is the advocacy office for the Missionary Society of St. Columban. The Center serves as the line of communication between Columban missionaries serving in 15 countries around the world and policy makers in Washington, D.C. Our mission is to work towards a more just, peaceful, and environmentally sustainable world by engaging in the political process guided by our Catholic faith and the Gospel.