The Honorable Nancy Pelosi
Speaker, U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C., 20515
The Honorable Kevin McCarthy
Republican Leader Minority Leader, U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C., 20510
The Honorable Charles Schumer
Majority Leader, U.S. Senate
Washington, D.C., 20510
The Honorable Mitch McConnell
Minority Leader, U.S. Senate
Washington, D.C., 20515
Dear Speaker Pelosi, Leader McCarthy, Leader Schumer and Leader McConnell:
I write on behalf of Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) to express support for the Afghan Adjustment Act (S. 4787/H.R. 8685). CCUSA has consistently been advocating for a legislative solution that enables our displaced Afghan sisters and brothers to remain in the United States and rebuild their lives. This bill will provide them a path to permanent resident status, giving them the stability and security, they need.
Since September 2021, more than 60 Catholic Charities agencies have served more than 13,000 Afghans in the United States, providing wraparound support services to facilitate integration – including resettlement services, food and housing assistance, legal services, cultural competency orientation and job placement services. Our ministry is guided by the Gospel, which calls us to welcome the stranger and to serve the most vulnerable to enable them to become active participants in society. We are proud to do this work in collaboration with local, state and federal government agencies.
The introduction of the Afghan Adjustment Act is an important step toward permanently protecting our Afghan allies and setting them on a path to contribute and integrate fully into their new communities. We are committed to carrying out our ministry of service to poor and vulnerable people, and stand ready to work with Congress to support policies that promote the common good. In the remaining days of the 117th Congress, we urge adoption of this legislation as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
Sister Donna Markham OP, PhD
President & CEO