CCANO Press
By April 16, 2015December 23rd, 2022No Comments

Justice and Compassion for Immigrants

Published on April 16, 2015

Tonight, Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans will be joining faith-leaders from the community in solidarity for justice and compassion for immigrants at an Inter-faith Prayer Vigil  on the steps of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals at 6pm. This week, the appellate court is expected to hear oral arguments concerning the president’s executive order for Administrative Relief.

Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans collaborates with the wider community to serve all those in need regardless of race, religion or ethnic background. Impelled by our faith, we are a voice for the voiceless, empowering individuals to foster a more just society.

On behalf of the hundreds of our immigrant brothers and sisters Catholic Charities serves each year, we join with our faith leaders today in continuing to support measures for comprehensive immigration reform that focuses on respecting the dignity of the individual and the preservation of the family.

We support comprehensive immigration reform that would provide relief for the nearly 12 million undocumented immigrants “living in the shadows,” looking for a legal path to build lives for themselves in the U.S. Although much work still needs to be done, we support Administrative Relief as a positive step in this process.

Catholic Charities will continue to advocate and be a resource for immigrants and their families in our community. We pray for continued dialogue and action that promotes solidarity, not division; compassion, not indifference; and love for our neighbors in need.

 


 

In light of President Obama’s executive action implementing expanded access for undocumented immigrants to legally remain and work in the U.S., Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans will continue to be a resource for the immigrant community in need of guidance through these new measures. Catholic Charities those seeking to access these new pathways to consult only licensed and accredited social service agencies and legal professionals or official channels of government in navigating these new policies.

Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans is holding free community legal orientations each month. These legal orientations provide information based on what is already known on who may qualify for deferred action (“DACA” and “DAPA”), as well as how to prepare for a future application for deferred action. Community orientations are being held in Metairie, New Orleans, New Orleans East, & the Westbank. To attend a community legal orientation, please call our Administrative Relief “hotline” at: (504) 310-6873.

During periods of expected immigration reform, it is unfortunately easier to take advantage of people seeking fast low-cost legal assistance. Immigrants who may qualify for this Administrative Relief should seek legal advice and assistance only from a licensed immigration attorney, accredited immigration representative, or accredited social service agency.

For more information or for those seeking assistance, contact Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans Immigration and Refugee Services at: (504) 457-3462.