For Immediate Release

Contact: Patricia Cole

pcole@catholiccharitiesusa.org
703-236-6218

Catholic Charities USA Responds to Executive Action on Immigration

Important Step towards Protecting Immigrants and Strengthening Families
Alexandria, Virginia (November 21, 2014) Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA), one of the largest
networks of social services providers in this country, responded to the executive action on
immigration announced last night by President Obama by calling it an important step towards
protecting immigrants and strengthening families. The decision moves our nation closer towards
creating a society in which authentic human dignity is recognized, families are strengthened, and all,
regardless of creed, race, or background, are welcomed as full members of our community.
We stand with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in hoping that this action will stabilize the
path forward for millions of people seeking to come out of the shadows and become fully
participating members of society, said Rev. Larry Snyder, president of Catholic Charities USA. We
are hopeful that this step will open the door to legislatively-enacted and comprehensive reform that
will provide workers with a path to permanent citizenship, prevent families from being split up, and
protect vulnerable children coming from violence-stricken homelands.
Throughout its more than 100-year-history, Catholic Charities agencies across the country have
responded to hardships imposed on individuals and families seeking a better life by our broken
immigration system, responding with immediate and long-term assistance and advocacy for holistic
reform.
In the Gospel of St. Matthew, Jesus says that when we welcome a stranger in his name, we
welcome his presence into our hearts, Snyder said. In the faces of these men, women, and
children, we are called to see the face of Christ and provide a just and compassionate welcome in a
way that respects their inherent dignity as fellow daughters and sons of God.

About Catholic Charities USA

Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) is the national office for Catholic Charities agencies nationwide. CCUSAs members
provide help and create hope for more than 9 million people a year regardless of religious, social or economic
backgrounds. To learn more about CCUSA, please visit our website at www.catholiccharitiesusa.org
###