MESSAGE FROM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND BOARD CHAIRMAN
Our nation has always benefi ted from the pioneering spirit, the aspirations, and the industriousness of immigrants. Generation after generation of immigrants have revitalized
America. Despite this remarkable history, today we hear voices opposed to immigrants. At the same time we see an immigration system that is out-dated and sorely in need of reform. Countless millions of immigrants seeking the American dream and hoping to contribute in meaningful ways must live in the shadows of our society.
They suffer the misdirected anger and frustration swelling within many Americans. Meanwhile, our elected leaders avoid the politically diffi cult task of reforming our nation’s laws. Considering the state of immigration in our country today, it is hard not to feel discouraged
and pessimistic.
On the other hand, signs of hope abound. People of faith, human rights advocates, leaders in labor and business, as well as many others of goodwill continue to promote just laws and immigration policies that are responsive to today’s realities. We are heartened by the
President’s signal to address immigration reforms and to change the
tone of the debate.
CLINIC and the hundreds of affi liated legal services agencies around the country remain absolutely committed to Creating Hope and Serving our Neighbors. Day in and day out this network of professionals and volunteers extend a welcoming hand. They offer reason to hope to hundreds of thousands of our newest neighbors. As the Church’s agency for assisting immigrants in their efforts to integrate and move toward full participation in their adopted land, CLINIC is challenged as never before to raise its voice in defense of the immigrant. With generous support from individuals and organizations, the agency continues to offer services and support that refl ect the spirit of hospitality required of us by the faith that grounds our mission.
We hope that as you read the stories in the pages that follow you will come to appreciate the important role the Church plays in ensuring that immigrants are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.
In a special way we wish to thank the many women and men of local immigration services programs. Their commitment to creating hope and serving our newest neighbors provides inspiration to us all. Our commitment to support and serve that network is stronger than ever.
We wish, also, to acknowledge the dedicated, compassionate, and professional service of CLINIC’s remarkable staff, without whom our mission could not be accomplished.
We pray that all people of goodwill and of all faiths will take strength in knowing that together we can move toward a brighter future, one in which the stranger will be welcomed as God intended and the light of hope will shine for each of God’s children in this country.
Mark Franken
CLINIC Executive Director
Most Rev. Jaime Soto
CLINIC Board Chairman, Bishop of Sacramento
To download the full report, click here.