Pastoral Resources for Immigrants and Refugees
"We all agree that our nation has the obligation to secure its borders and establish criteria for who is permitted to enter and how long they are permitted to stay. In a post-9/11 world, we all agree there are people both inside and outside our borders who want to hurt us. We share a common concern for our nation’s security and the safety of our loved ones. But our approach to all these issues must be consistent with our ideals. America has always been different — some would say exceptional. Welcoming immigrants and sheltering refugees has always been something special and essential about who we are — as a nation and as a people."
- Archbishop José H. Gomez
Resources for Parishes
Information Guides & Contact Numbers
- Preparing your Family for Immigration Enforcement (PDF)
A helpful 56 page guide in both english and spanish providing information on your rights and how to prepare your family for immigration enforcement, including suggested checklists. By the Office of Justice & Peace. (Revised 3/17/2017)
- Responses to Frequently Asked Questions from Families on Immigration Policies and Resources in Catholic Schools (PDF)
Answers to these Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for you to use with the families and students in your Catholic schools.
- Nine Ways to Protect Yourself from Enforcement Actions (PDF)
Includes information on your rights and information on your local consulates.
Courtesy of Justice for Immigrants
- Transitioning to a New Administration: How to Assist Immigrants and Refugees (PDF)
Information on the Bishops and the Catholic Church support for immigrants and refugees. (5pgs) Courtesy of USCCB & Justice for immigrants.
- Los Angeles Consular Corps directory (PDF)
Find your consulate! Contact information for 104 consulates issued by the County of Los Angeles.
- Justice for Immigrants - Resource Portal
Additional informational resources updated by Justice for Immigrants.
Free Consultations
Esperanza Immigrant Rights Project is a public interest legal organization serving the most vulnerable immigrants in the Los Angeles area. Esperanza is offering free consultations for anyone affected by executive orders and among other programs . Please call for session times or to schedule an appointment. (213) 251-3505
(Esperanza is located at: 1530 James M Wood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015)Join a Parish Team
The Office of Life, Justice & Peace (OLJP) works with parishes and schools to educate and advocate for immigrant rights, encounters with immigration enforcement, and develop family preparation plans. Please contact the Office of Justice and Peace or click here for more info.
Statements:
USCCB President & VP Statement on Immigration
Declaración por el presidente y vice presidente del USCCB en inmigración (doc)
Text of Executive Order: Border Wall
USCCB Statement on Sanctuary Cities
Text of Executive Order: Sanctuary Cities
Text of Executive Order: Refugees
America has always been different — some would say exceptional. Welcoming immigrants and sheltering refugees has always been something special and essential about who we are — as a nation and as a people."
Dear Friend Randy: Great article and links.
I am retired now (semi retired, actually).
I always made it a point to have sign language interpreters, and translators so any and all who chose to attend Services where I officiated could feel at home, valued, and part of us as a Congregation.
Inclusion gets the main point of religion. Any religion. To bring out the best in us.
Exclusion, petty partisanship is blasphemy in its most odious form.
Great seed.
Please keep them coming.
E.
'
"...sheltering refugees has always been something special and essential about who we are — as a nation and as a people."
Always? Better forget about the MS St. Louis.
Good article Randy,
There was an article yesterday about the number of refugees that are working because employers can't find native born employees that can pass the drug test. It was quite an interesting article.
If I remember correctly the one company that they spoke to had a 20% fail rate on drugs testing of native born Americans. As I've said before, we are the ''Drugged Nation''...Sad.
I believe the city was Erie PA.
Dear Friend Kavika: Too many on Rogaine?
E, Combing Hair Remants.
Thank goodness they aren't hooked on Ex Lax chocolate.
Welcoming immigrants and sheltering refugees has always been something special and essential about who we are — as a nation and as a people."
All who come as guests through the front door are welcome (referring to legal immigrants). All who climb in through the window should be treated as trespassers and ejected (referring to illegal aliens).