Catholic Charities offers immigration services, including family-based applications, low-cost citizenship services, Temporary Protected Status, and fiancé visas, for individuals seeking legal guidance. Our staff can evaluate eligibility, answer questions, and provide legal advice. To get started, schedule a consultation session with one of our knowledgeable immigration specialists.
The list below compiles various materials that provide information about migration and immigration and current policies and practices. We hope you find it helpful in your research or advocacy efforts.
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)
The USCCB Resource Library offers documents on Catholic teaching, practice, and history, including these on migration and immigration:
- Backgrounder on the Root Causes of Migration (2019)
- Backgrounder on Racism and Migration (2019)
- Backgrounder on DACA (2020)
- Backgrounder on Immigration Reform (2021)
The International Catholic Migration Commission (ICMC)
The ICMC is a global network of Catholic organizations dedicated to protecting and serving uprooted people, including refugees, asylum-seekers, internally displaced people, victims of human trafficking, and migrants. Through its mission, ICMC members and church leaders are responding to the needs of migrants.
The U.S. Catholic Church is dedicated to creating a culture of welcome where all migrants are respected and treated with dignity. Join the JFI Campaign and be part of a growing network of Catholic institutions, individuals, and other people of goodwill advocating for comprehensive immigration reform.
Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC)
CLINIC equips legal representatives to provide top-notch and affordable immigration legal services. In addition, their nonprofit network offers services to more than 500,000 immigrants annually. Its board comprises bishops and professionals from diverse backgrounds dedicated to upholding immigrants’ dignity and defending their rights.
Center for Migration Studies (CMS)
CMS is devoted to understanding, promoting, and protecting the rights of migrants, refugees, and newcomers. Their research and education initiatives, including the weekly Migration Update, are designed to foster understanding between immigrants and receiving communities and to ensure quality public policies that promote the dignity of migrants.
World Day of Migrants and Refugees
The 109th World Day of Migrants and Refugees will be held on September 24, 2023. Pope Francis has chosen “Free to choose whether to migrate or to stay“ as the theme for his annual message. The official WDMR resource kit offers useful resources to promote global migration awareness all year round.
For 40+ years, the U.S. Catholic Church has celebrated National Migration Week preceding the Vatican’s World Day of Migrants and Refugees. In 2023, National Migration Week takes place from September 18-24. This year’s theme, chosen by the Holy Father, is “Free to choose whether to migrate or to stay,” emphasizing that individuals have the right to decide whether to migrate or stay – not out of necessity, but out of choice.