DACA and the Arizona Catholic Conference

The Arizona Catholic Conference

and the USCCB

Bishops of the Arizona Catholic Conference Statement on DACA Decision by the U.S. Supreme Court June 18, 2020 The Bishops of the Arizona Catholic Conference (ACC) stand in solidarity with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) regarding today’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling and its impact on Deferred Action for Child Arrivals (DACA) recipients. We are very much mindful that DACA children were often brought to this country at a very young age and through no responsibility of their own. They were raised in the United States, attended our schools, make positive contributions to our society, and do not know any other country but our own.

Today’s ruling that proper administrative procedures were not followed to repeal DACA has a positive impact on nearly 800,000 DACA recipients as well as their families and communities. In fact, in Arizona alone, there are approximately 25,000 DACA recipients living in our communities. From our own personal experiences, we know of the tremendous contributions DACA recipients have made across Arizona and throughout our many parishes and consider them a blessing. Despite today’s favorable ruling, however, the irreparable harm these families would face through potential separation remains a grave concern if the DACA protections are ultimately terminated. Accordingly, we join USCCB in not only praying for these families, but also advocate for a permanent and just solutions at the federal level.
 
Today, the U.S. Supreme Court issued an opinion preventing the Trump Administration from terminating the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. On November 12, 2019, the Court heard the challenge to the Trump Administration’s DACA repeal efforts, in which U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) submitted an amicus curiae brief in support of maintaining the program. The DACA program was implemented in 2012 and has enabled approximately 800,000 young people, who paid a fee and submitted to a background check, the opportunity to work legally, access educational opportunities and not fear deportation. DACA recipients on average contribute over $42 billion annually to the U.S.
economy.

Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles and president of the USCCB and Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville, auxiliary bishop of Washington and chairman of the USCCB’ Committee on Migration issued the following statement: Arizona Catholic Conference / 400 E. Monroe St., Phoenix, AZ 85004 / 602-354-2390 / www.azcatholicconference.org “We welcome the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision noting that the Trump Administration did not follow proper administrative procedures required to repeal the DACA program. “First, to DACA youth, through today’s decision and beyond, we will continue to accompany you and your families. You are a vital part of our Church and our community of faith. We are with you. “Next, we urge the President to strongly reconsider terminating DACA. Immigrant communities are really hurting now amidst COVID-19 and moving forward with this action needlessly places many families into further anxiety and chaos. In times of uncertainty, let us remember the teachings of the Gospel which encourage us to be open and receptive to those in need: ‘If someone who has worldly means sees a brother in need and refuses him compassion, how can the love of God remain in him?’ (1 John 3:17).

In this moment, we must show compassion and mercy for the vulnerable.” “Lastly, we strongly encourage our U.S. Senators to immediately pass legislation that provides a path to citizenship for Dreamers. Permanent legislative protection that overcomes partisanship and puts the human dignity and future of Dreamers first is long overdue.”

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Most Rev. Edward J. Weisenburger Most Rev. Thomas J. Olmsted Bishop of Tucson Bishop of Phoenix Most Rev. James S. Wall Most Rev. Eduardo A. Nevares Bishop of Gallup Auxiliary Bishop of Phoenix Most Rev. John S. Pazak Bishop of Holy Protection of Mary Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Phoenix.