January 22, 2021
Washington, D.C. – The Franciscan Action Network (FAN) welcomes the executive actions taken by the Biden Administration yesterday to begin building a fair and just policy for undocumented immigrants who have lived and worked in the shadows for too long in our country and for those fleeing violence and persection in their home countries. Franciscans believe in the sacred dignity of all persons and work consistently for legislation that provides permanent security for all immigrants living in the United States. A crucial next step will be for Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform legislation.
“Franciscan-hearted people everywhere rejoice in the justice of this moment. Immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers deserve to be cared for and have their stories heard. Congress now has the moral obligation to pass legislation that leads to citizenship. We call on our elected officials to regularize the immigration process and provide a way to citizenship for all qualified people who desire it,” said FAN’s executive director, Stephen Schneck.
Specifically, we endorse the Biden administration’s repeal of the African and Muslim Bans, the gradual elimination of the Migration Protection Protocols, extending Deferred Enforced Departure for Liberians, protecting Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and pausing deportations.
While we celebrate today’s important news, we are firmly resolved to continue our work advocating for bi-partisan legislation that seeks to uplift all immigrants’ basic human dignity.
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