The Catholic Church and Immigration

A visit to the website of the Catholic Legal Immigration Network Inc. (CLINIC), an affiliate of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, offers a fascinating look into official Church policy on immigration.  The introduction to their resources states: "Many proposals are currently pending in Congress and many more will likely be introduced that would allow certain undocumented persons to earn legal status in the United States."  This optimism belies their support for comprehensive immigration reform, but they are also taking steps to prepare for a post-reform America. 

CLINIC is providing advice and information in English and Spanish to documented and undocumented immigrants, as well as to non-profit groups and concerned Americans.  CLINIC advises that undocumented immigrants focus on proving "Identity, good moral character and physical presence or residency in the United States."  And there is information about how groups and individuals can become recognized by the Board of Immigration Appeals to work on behalf of immigrants. 

CLINIC's work is a good reminder, as Simon talked about on C-SPAN this morning, that there is a diverse coalition that supports comprehensive immigration reform.  That is why NDN will continue to be a leader in the progressive, political effort to provide real solutions on immigration.