Tuesday morning (9/5) President Trump declared the end of DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) in six months. This decision jeopardizes the status of about 800,000 young people who have entered DACA since it was initiated in 2012.
 
The administration indicated that it would be up to Congress to enact legislation to address the situation of young people who came to the United States as children and therefore are not responsible for their immigration status.
 
I think that the leadership of the U.S. Catholic Bishops said it best in their statement: “cancellation of the DACA program is reprehensible”
 
What can we do?

• Pray for the intercession of the Holy Spirit to open the minds and hearts of the U.S. Senate.
• Attend the Spanish Mass this Sunday at 12:45. Imagine the sense of Solidarity that our brothers and sisters will feel seeing members of the English-speaking Community at the Mass. You are welcome to stay for the “Know Your Rights” Session that will be after the 12:45 Mass (about 2-2:45pm). Representatives from Catholic Charities will be presenting to the community. It will be bi-lingual.

• Urge our Senators to support the Dream Act 2017. This bill will provide much stronger protections than DACA which was an executive order that could easily be overturned. Follow this link to learn more. https://www.nilc.org/issues/immigration-reform-and-executive-actions/dreamact/dream-act-2017-summary-and-faq/You are welcome and encouraged to use your own words.

• Educate yourself about the position of the Catholic Church and the specifics on the Dream Act of 2017. Follow these links:

• Forward this correspondence to others who might be interested.   

If you have questions or ideas, please contact me. Please watch for another email about further action that we can take on state legislation in solidarity with the Latino community.
 
Peace and gratitude,
Christa Fairfield

From Diocese of Oakland, Office of Life & Justice

On the Executive Order affecting immigration, USCCB’s Office of Migration and Refugee Services have heard that there is a possibility that the President will rescind DACA. Given the nature of this information we are undertaking the exceptional action of issuing a pre-emptive action alert today through Justice for Immigrants. We urge you to promote and share the action alert with as many as possible.

Additionally, every family should have a Family Preparedness Plan regardless of immigration status to help reduce the stress of the unexpected. Resources in English and Spanish are available at
ilrc.org/family-preparedness-plan.

St. Bonaventure's hosted a housing forum on June 25. Over 150 people from all walks of life and all areas of the city, attended a morning of testimonials, music, conversations and fact gathering about the state of housing in the City of Concord. Although it was hot, many people found the day worthwhile and went away with a renewed sense of purpose to make sure Concord remains a City for Families