Washington D.C., Jun 20, 2018 / 15:01 pm
The United States bishops have asked Congress to compromise on immigration reform to give legal protections for undocumented youth, known as "Dreamers," and ensure respect for human dignity and families at U.S. borders.
A June 19 letter to the House of Representatives stated that the bishops cannot endorse changes to the immigration system that "detrimentally impact families and the vulnerable" as contained in new legislation brought before the House this week.
"We welcome the opportunity to dialogue with lawmakers and to discuss possible opportunities for further compromise," wrote Bishop Joe Vasquez of Austin, chairman of the bishops' committee on migration.
The letter stated immigration legislation should be "bipartisan, provide Dreamers with a path to citizenship, be pro-family, protect the vulnerable and be respectful of human dignity with regard to border security and enforcement."