The Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania join with the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR), the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and other organizations outraged at the announcement that President Trump chose to discontinue protection of our 800,000 Dreamers through Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).
DACA provided protection from deportation for nearly 800,000 young undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children. DACA provided a common sense path to stability for families, communities and local economies and a reaffirmation of American values. We share the disappointment and sadness of millions of people across the country who hoped and prayed that the President would continue the protection offered by DACA.
As Sisters of St. Joseph, agrégées and associates, we embrace the Gospel values of unifying love and respect for the dignity of all persons. We advocate for immigration reform that keeps families intact and provides a direct pathway to citizenship. We pray and work to encourage unity among all people, to embrace diversity and to welcome all who seek refuge in the United States of America.
TAKE ACTION
In the wake of this unconscionable action by President Trump, we urge Congress to immediately take up and pass the bipartisan Dream Act of 2017. We ask you to support the Dreamers by urging your Senators to co-sponsor X.1615 and your Representative to co-sponsor H.R. 3440. To send an email message to your Senator or Representative, click here.
If you prefer to send a letter, a sample letter is available to download (click below). Be sure to include your name and address at the end of the letter. To find your Representative, click here and enter your zip code. To find your Senator, click here and choose your state from the drop down menu.
Click here for sample DACA letter.
The Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania is a congregation of vowed religious women, agrégées and associates who minister in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Erie, Pennsylvania. We were founded in LePuy, France in 1650 and arrived in the Erie Diocese in 1860. The congregation is part of The U.S. Federation of Sisters of St. Joseph composed of more than 4,203 sisters, 25 agrégées, and 3,032 associates, with NGO status in the United Nations. For more information visit www.ssjerie.org
