Catholic Charities USA Voices Concern Regarding Immigrants and Refugees

THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT WAS RECENTLY RELEASED BY CATHOLIC CHARITIES USA IN RESPONSE TO EXECUTIVE ACTIONS RELATED TO IMMIGRATION.

Alexandria, Va. – Sister Donna Markham OP, PhD, president and CEO of Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) expressed profound concern about President Trump’s immigration-related executive actions and the potential impact these actions will have on those who are most vulnerable.

“Pope Francis has urged people not to close the door on migrants and refugees. In concert with the Holy Father, we believe we must move from attitudes of defensiveness and fear to acceptance, compassion and encounter. As the U.S. Catholic bishops have said, this is not an either/or situation for us.  We can protect our citizens and, at the same time, we can welcome newcomers.  Our commitment to care for those who are most vulnerable resides at the core of our faith,” said Sister Donna.

As it has done for over 100 years, Catholic Charities will continue to stand in solidarity with refugees, immigrants and their families.  We will work diligently for responsible and comprehensive immigration reform. Certainly, concerns about safety must be addressed, but not through measures that do more harm than good.

Our Catholic heritage calls us to seek justice for newcomers. Our history as a faith community in the United States has been as an immigrant Church in an immigrant nation. We are singularly focused on serving the needs of poor and vulnerable individuals and families, providing compassionate care that respects the dignity of each person, as mandated by the gospel.