Our Commitment to those Most vulnerable and to the stranger among us
*Matthew 25:35(NIV)35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in…”
Catholic Charities is committed to continuing to protect and advocate for those most vulnerable in our communities, such as immigrants and refugees. We remain true to our mission, rooted in the Gospel call to welcome the stranger and treat everyone, regardless of creed, political belief, race, color, nationality, immigration status, gender identity, age or ability, with dignity and respect. Our decades of providing service have earned the respect and trust of our elected officials and we will continue to advocate for policies that help those who are in poverty to thrive, that integrate immigrants and refugees into our society, and that protect access to health care and behavioral health care. We will continue to oppose policies that hurt our clients or hurt our agency’s ability to serve them. We will develop solutions by turning new challenges we face into opportunities at the local level where we have a strong and diverse supportive community. We may not be able to change national policies and rhetoric in the immediate future, but we can ensure the people we serve who live in our community are treated with dignity and respect.
Please reflect upon the message of the Executive Director of our national organization, Catholic Charities USA, Sister Donna Markham:
“Because Catholic Charities is rooted in local communities that are vulnerable and marginalized we have substantial credibility with our legislators. We remain committed advocates locally and nationally to protect life, especially the lives of those who are most fragile, from the unborn to the frail elder. We will continue to be “organizers of love” so that people who are hungry, thirsty, imprisoned, or homeless or strangers in our land will find in us a place of care and support. This is the message we need to convey broadly as we navigate through these days. It is the message I will be conveying to the members of the new Administration and Congress.
We know that God walks with us and among us and that we will be inspired to stand resolved to “build bridges of hope, mercy and justice.”
Pictured here, Jose and his daughter Helen enjoy a quiet moment with Sister Joanne Dress during a Circle of Friends breakfast meeting.
How Can You Prepare
Help to prepare for changes in the Presidential Administration
From a fact sheet produced by the Catholic Legal Immigration Network(CLINIC), last updated 12/5/16
The new administration is expected to make changes to current immigration policy, although the details of what President-elect Trump will actually do on immigration are not yet known.
Until January 19, 2017, current immigration policies remain in place.
How can you prepare?
• Beware of immigration scams and notarios! Only seek help from qualified, BIA-accredited immigration legal services providers such as Catholic Charities. In Mercer and Burlington Counties, contact El Centro, 609-394-2056. In Monmouth and Ocean Counties, contact our Immigration Support Services at 732-901-3261.
• Apply for citizenship! If you are a lawful permanent resident and currently eligible for naturalization, you are encouraged to apply. If you have pending relative petitions, check with a legal advisor first. Note: the fees for naturalization will increase on December 23, 2016.
• Get screened! You may be eligible for relief from deportation. Call your local CLINIC (Catholic Legal Immigration Network) affiliate to learn more about screening. Catholic Charities immigration services counselors can also help provide information.
If you have DACA:
If you or a family member currently holds DACA, here is what you need to know:
• During his campaign, President-elect Trump said he would end DACA. It is not yet known if this will happen. Regardless, DACA is in place until at least January 19, 2017.
• You should immediately seek guidance from a qualified legal services provider if:
• You are considering an initial DACA application
• You want to renew DACA
• You are planning to travel outside of the U.S. with an Advance Parole approval.
Know your rights!
• Know your rights about interacting with U.S. immigration agents.
• Do not open the door to immigration agents or police unless they have a legal document with your name on it. Ask them to slip it under the door before you allow them into your home. Tell your children not to open the door.
• Remain silent. You do not have to answer their questions.
• Do not sign anything and ask to speak with an attorney or legal representative.
• Find more detailed explanations of your rights through publications provided by CLINIC.
En Español
Catholic Charities se compromete a seguir protegiendo y abogando por los más vulnerables de nuestras comunidades, como los inmigrantes y los refugiados. Seguimos fieles a nuestra misión, arraigados en el llamado evangélico a dar la bienvenida al extranjero y tratar a todos con dignidad y respeto sin distinción de credo, opinión política, raza, color, nacionalidad, estado migratorio, identidad de género, edad o habilidad. A través de las décadas de servicio hemos ganado el respeto y la confianza de nuestros funcionarios electos y seguiremos abogando por políticas que ayuden a los que están en la pobreza a prosperar, que integren a los inmigrantes y refugiados en nuestra sociedad y que protejan el acceso a la atención médica y de salud mental. Continuaremos oponiéndonos a las políticas que dañan a nuestros clientes o dañan la capacidad de nuestra agencia para servirles. Desarrollaremos soluciones, convirtiendo los nuevos desafíos que enfrentamos en oportunidades a nivel local donde tenemos una comunidad de apoyo diversa y fuerte. Es posible que no podamos cambiar las políticas y la retórica nacional en el futuro inmediato, pero podemos asegurar que las personas que atendemos que viven en nuestra comunidad sean tratadas con dignidad y respeto.
Following the meeting, Jose and Helen met with the Most Reverend David M. O’Connell, Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton, Catholic Charities’ Executive Director, Marlene Lao-Collins and Board of Trustees’ Chair, Robert Tanzola.
• Por favor, reflexione sobre el mensaje de la Directora Ejecutiva de nuestra organización nacional, Catholic Charities USA, la Hermana Donna Markham:
• “Debido a que Caridades Católicas está establecida en comunidades locales que son vulnerables y marginadas, tenemos una credibilidad sustancial con nuestros legisladores. Seguimos siendo partidarios comprometidos a nivel local y nacional para proteger la vida, especialmente las vidas de aquellos que son más frágiles, del que no ha nacido aún hasta un anciano frágil. Seguiremos siendo “organizadores del amor” para que las personas que tengan hambre, sed, encarcelados, sin hogar o extraños en nuestra tierra encuentren en nosotros un lugar en el que se le atiende y apoya. Este es el mensaje que necesitamos transmitir ampliamente a medida que navegamos a través de estos días. Es el mensaje que voy a transmitir a los miembros de la nueva Administración y Congreso. Sabemos que Dios camina con nosotros y entre nosotros, que nos inspirara a permanecer decididos a “construir puentes de esperanza, misericordia y justicia”.