Archbishop Aymond on the DREAM Act; immigration reform

Archbishop Aymond expresses his support for the DREAM Act
By: SCM
Friday December 3rd 2010
US Congress expected to vote on this immigration lesiglation this week
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

Advent prayers and blessings to you!

Immigration reform is a difficult and often controversial issue. The US Catholic Bishops have consistently called for immigration reform that respects the dignity of life and the family while ensuring safety for the people of this nation.

Right now, federal legislators are debating and possibly voting soon on the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act (DREAM Act). This piece of legislation represents a bipartisan initiative that would allow some undocumented students, many of whom came to the United States as very young children with their parents, to be eligible for in-state college tuition and would give them the opportunity to adjust their legal status through a process contingent upon their completion of two years of college or military service.

Those who would benefit from the DREAM Act are talented, intelligent, and dedicated. Having entered the United States as very young children, often through no choice of their own, these students have contributed to their schools and communities. The DREAM Act represents a practical, fair, and compassionate solution for thousands of young people in the United States who simply want to reach their God-given potential and continue to be positive contributors to society.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us that

The more prosperous nations are obliged, to the extent they are able, to welcome the foreigner in search of the security and the means of livelihood which he cannot find in his country of origin. Public authorities should see to it that the natural right is respected that places a guest under the protection of those who receive him.

God calls us to respect and protect the life and dignity of all people. The DREAM Act would help us welcome and affirm the dignity of some of our most vulnerable sisters and brothers.

To help in this effort, I invite you to visit www.justiceforimmigrants.org. At this site, you can learn more about the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Justice for Immigrants Campaign and send members of Congress an electronic letter in support of the DREAM Act. You can also find more background information on DREAM and comprehensive immigration reform with numerous resources for your family, parish, or school.

Wishing you God’s blessings in this Advent season of hope, I am,

Sincerely in Christ,

Most Reverend Gregory M. Aymond

Archbishop of New Orleans