USCCB
Haitian Heritage Month: The State of the Union
Fri, 05/27/2011 - 11:46am — AnonymousBy: Alexander Cohen
The motto of Haiti is “L’union fait la force” which translates to “the union makes the strength.” In the wake of the January 2010 earthquake, the people of Haiti struggled with a humanitarian crisis that no union could solve unilaterally, much less a country that was the poorest in the western hemisphere before the tragedy.
Mother's Day: Hope for All
Sun, 05/08/2011 - 1:03pm — Anonymous
By: James Porter
For Mother’s Day this year, I sent my mother flowers because I could not be with her to celebrate. All over the country, moms received cards and gifts, sat down for Sunday brunch, and felt the love and joy that comes with being a mother. However, there are many other mothers who like mine, could not be with their children, but for very different reasons.
Lenten Resolutions for Change
Thu, 03/10/2011 - 2:48pm — Anonymous
By: James Porter*
When thinking of Lent, many people think about what they are going to “give up.” From chocolate and sweets to Facebook, the wide range of things people are willing to go without for 40 days varies. However, the true power of Lent as a journey of reflection, resolution, and renewal is sometimes lost as we march towards that chocolate bunny on Easter.
International Women's Day Turns 100: An Immigration Perspective
Tue, 03/08/2011 - 1:59pm — AnonymousBy: TessaWinkler*
On this International Women’s Day, who comes to mind when you think of a strong woman? Do you picture your mother? What about your grandmother or a sister? At CLINIC, our thoughts are drawn to a school teacher in Brockton, Massachusetts who fled Haiti after the devastating earthquake of 2010.
Honoring Cardinal Roger Mahony: A Champion for Immigrants
Fri, 03/04/2011 - 4:43pm — AnonymousBy: James Porter*
Earlier this week, Archbishop José H. Gomez (a member of CLINIC’s Board of Directors) became the fifth archbishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, following the retirement of Cardinal Roger M. Mahony on his 75th birthday. Cardinal Mahony led what has become the nation’s largest Roman Catholic diocese with almost 4.2 million Catholics, 70% of whom are Hispanic. He was appointed Archbishop of Los Angeles by Pope John Paul II in 1985 and was made a cardinal in 1991.
Remembering Haiti: One Year Later
Wed, 01/12/2011 - 4:04pm — AnonymousBy: Allison Posner*
Today marks the one-year anniversary of the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that devastated Haiti, killing 230,000, injuring 300,000 and leaving another million people homeless. The immediate response was overwhelming, with many countries and humanitarian organizations offering rescue and medical assistance, then food, shelter and other aid.
International Migrants Day: Protecting the Rights of All
Sat, 12/18/2010 - 11:39am — AnonymousBy: Maria M. Odom*
On December 4, 2000, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly proclaimed December 18 International Migrants Day. This day began as a commemoration of the ten-year anniversary of the adoption of the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families. Today, ten years after the proclamation, and twenty years since the adoption of the Convention, it is important to reflect on the need to protect the rights of all migrants.
DREAMing of Giving Thanks
Tue, 11/23/2010 - 11:08am — AnonymousBy: James Porter*
When you sit down to the dinner table this Thanksgiving, what will you say you are thankful for? Friends? Family? Health? Something that may slip your mind though is being thankful for your U.S. citizenship. For almost 2 million young people in this country, this is not something they have ever been given the chance to be thankful for. They were brought to the U.S. as children and many do not know a life outside the U.S.
Advocating for Families: The Need for Fee Waivers
Fri, 10/01/2010 - 3:50pm — AnonymousBy: Natalia Ricardo*
On Friday, September 24, 2010, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced its final rule on the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services’ (USCIS) fee schedule, first proposed on June 11, 2010. The rule results in an average 10% increase in fees. Additionally, the rule establishes three new fees associated with the Immigrant Investor Pilot Program, the Civil Surgeon Designation, and processing of Immigrant Visa requests. There is also an adjustment of the Premium Processing service fee. USCIS maintained that the fee increase was a necessary means to recover operating costs. The rule will take effect on November 23, 2010; meaning that all applications or petitions mailed, postmarked, or otherwise filed on or after November 23, 2010 will be subject to the fee increase.
A DREAM Deferred
Thu, 09/16/2010 - 3:51pm — AnonymousUpdate: On Tuesday, September 21, the U.S. Senate voted against proceeding to debate on the Defense Authorization bill, to which the DREAM Act was amended. The vote was 56-43 with all 40 Republicans voting "no" along with Senators Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) and Mark Pryor (D-AR). Though he is a supporter of the bill, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), switched his vote to "no" at the last minute to provide him the opportunity to call for a re-vote through a procedural maneuver. The DREAM Act may also be voted on as a stand alone bill.
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By: Allison Posner*
This week, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid announced his intention to add the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act to the Department of Defense Authorization bill that will soon be coming up for a vote in the Senate – maybe as early as next week.
This is a welcome development, since the DREAM Act was first introduced in 2001. It was most recently introduced in 2009 in the Senate by Richard Durbin (D-IL) and in the House by Howard Berman (D-CA). The legislation would provide a chance for young undocumented high school graduates who entered the United States before they turned 16 to gain lawful immigration status. Passage of the bill would mean eligibility for student loans, federal work-study programs, and other services. It would provide incentive for the approximately 65,000 undocumented graduates each year to continue their schooling and improve their job prospects.
