|
|
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) —
Pilot Sessions & Resources
August 15, 2012 marked the first day to apply for deferred action through the process which the United States Citizenship Information Services (USCIS) refers to as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). August 15 was not the only day or the last day to apply.
The Office for Immigrant Affairs and Immigration Education, in collaboration with Catholic Charities and the Catholic Legal Immigration Network Inc. (CLINIC), is currently in planning and preparation to assist potential DACA applicants with the application process. In September, we will be conducting a couple pilot sessions, and after this experience we may expand services to designated parishes in the Archdiocese of Chicago. Stay tuned to this webpage for updates, or for more info contact Marilu Gonzalez (312-534-8103) or William Becerra (312-534-8111).
Meanwhile, we encourage potential DACA applicants to visit the following websites (all are bilingual and offer free resources):
- www.uscis.gov - Resources from USCIS that clarify the DACA process and required evidence, including frequently asked questions (FAQ), a “how to” guide, filing forms, etc.
- dreamerjustice.org/intake.html - A self-assessment tool from the National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) for helping determine potential eligibility for the DACA process.
- www.weownthedream.org - Information from the Own the DREAM Campaign on DACA workshops, which is also available by calling their toll-free hotline 1-885-DREAM-31.
- www.cliniclegal.org - Resources from CLINIC related to DACA including community education materials, screening forms, and links to relevant DHS materials, etc. For consultation contact Catholic Charities at 312-427-7078.
Light a Candle for the DREAM Act
The DREAM Act represents a compassionate immigration solution that respects the dignity of young immigrants living in our communities and attending U.S. high schools.
You can support these young immigrants by sending an electronic postcard to your Senators and Representative and by lighting a candle for the DREAM Act.
Weekly Friday, 7:15 am Prayer Vigil
to end deportations and for Immigration Reform
(Every first Friday is an interfaith prayer vigil)
Broadview Immigrant Detention Center
1930 S. Beach St., Broadview, IL
Vigil will be outside this building
(Car pooling is encouraged, please watch signs for appropriate parking)
DREAMS of Justice
Parishes Praying for Immigration Reform
Find a parish near you that offers a Mass, adoration or rosary on an ongoing
basis
 Volunteer Opportunity
Become an "Immigration Parish Coordinator"
Serve as the liaison between your parish and the Office for Immigrant Affairs
Announcement
and reply form
Welcome
I would like to welcome you to our new Office for Immigrant Affairs and Immigration
Education which was built as a result of our archdiocese’s respond to the
call of the U.S. Catholic Conference of Bishops’Justice for Immigrants –
Catholic Campaign for Immigration Reform launched in June 2005. Our office
combines the efforts of the Catholic Campaign for Immigration Reform and
the Pastoral Migratoria. Together we will continue to work as God’s
disciples in collaboration with civil, government and other religious groups by
supporting the life and dignity of each member of God’s family, especially
the immigrant. Our focus is to work in three steps:
- Educate Catholics and the general public to understand the dignity of every immigrant
as a human being and to recognize the benefits of immigrants and immigration to
our nation; and to educate the undocumented community to safeguard their basic civil
rights and family unit.
- Advocate for compassionate comprehensive Immigration reform (using the principles
of the U.S. Catholic bishops), and for humane treatment of immigrant detainees and
deportees.
- Empower immigrants to help their own communities through ministries of service,
leadership formation, and justice actions implementing and coordinating Pastoral
Migratoria(immigrant to immigrant ministry) in clusters of immigrant parishes
with lay leadership teams.
God’s family is neither complete nor authentic until all human persons are
living in safety, in dignity, and in community. Let us be that welcoming and
empowering community, enlightened by understanding and compassion, working to bring
about justice for all…on earth as it is in heaven.
May our God of justice, compassion and peace bless you in your interest in our ministry.
Peace,
Elena Segura
" For I was a stranger and you welcomed me." (Matthew 25:35).
|