For Immediate Release:
June 25, 2009

Contact:  Roger Conner
(703) 236-6218

Catholic Charities USA Supports Convening on Immigration Reform

Alexandria, VA— Catholic Charities USA and its more than 1700 agencies and affiliates nationwide—who have long been at the forefront of immigrant support and assistance—applaud today’s session with the President and congressional leadership to discuss immigration reform and ensure its inclusion on the priority legislative agenda. Catholic Charities USA’s faith and work is devoted to the dignity and freedom of all individuals and to the support of the family as the most essential component to providing lasting value and a better life for all.

“As a long-standing convener and voice on the importance of immigration reform, Catholic Charities USA salutes the convening today by the President and Congress on this critical front,” said Father Larry Snyder, President of Catholic Charities USA. “We call on the President and Congress to show leadership and find agreement on a comprehensive immigration reform bill by the end of 2009. Too much is at stake for our country, for immigrants and for our families seeking a better life to not move on this immediately.”

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Catholic Charities USA’s members—more than 1,700 local Catholic Charities agencies and institutions nationwide—provide help and create hope for nearly 8 million people a year regardless of religious, social, or economic backgrounds. For almost 300 years, Catholic Charities agencies have worked to reduce poverty by providing a myriad of vital services in their communities, ranging from health care and job training to food and housing. In 2010, Catholic Charities USA celebrates its centennial anniversary.