Members of the Conference of Major Superiors of Men, which includes the Viatorians, are responding to the stunning development from July 16th, when a U.S. district court in Texas ruled that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is unlawful. President Biden’s response called on Congress to act for a long term legislative solution. These words were echoed by USCCB migration committee chairman Bishop Mario Dorsonville, who noted, “This ruling is simply the most recent development in a long list of events warranting action by Congress. The Senate currently has multiple bills before it that would grant permanent relief to Dreamers, including the American Dream and Promise Act passed by the House of Representatives in March.”
The Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC) reports the following in the wake of the decision: “Current DACA recipients may keep their deferred action and work authorization. Current DACA recipients and those who have been granted DACA in the past may continue to renew.”
Vatican News also reported on the ruling.
The most urgent practical impact will be felt by new applicants. However, the psychological toll of the constant litigation is felt by current recipients and their families who have lived with tenuous provisions for work authorization and stays of deportation for nearly a decade.
In other news, in its latest Justice & Peace Alert, CMSM reports about the more than 240 Catholic priests, religious and lay social ministers who support PRO Act, or Protecting the Right to Organize Act, currently before the senate. Bishop John Stowe, OFM, of the Diocese of Lexington, KY, says: “It would be hard to overestimate the centrality and the importance of dignified labor to Catholic social teaching, and hand-in-hand with dignified labor comes the right to organize.”
The alert also recaps the Catholic Climate Covenant and Creighton University Laudato Si Conference. The virtual conference drew more than 2,500 people to participate. In doing so, it brought together various sectors to discuss, pray, and act on issues related to climate change, specifically in the context of Laudato Si. The opening keynote, featuring Cardinal Blase Cupich and Dr. Maureen Day, is available to view on video.