April 19, 2013, Vol. 6, No. 12
En Espanol

In this Issue:

• Immigration Reform Now Before U.S. Senate
• Bill Authorizing Paying Women for their Eggs Passes Committee
• California Dioceses Commemorate Crime Victims' Rights Week
• Catholic Advocacy Day Is Next Week
• Pope Francis Offers Prayers for Boston Victims

Committees are hearing many important bills now.
Please visit our Take Action page for current Action Alerts.

Immigration Reform Now Before U.S. Senate

The introduction of bipartisan legislation to reform the U.S. immigration system was welcomed by Archbishop Jose Gomez of Los Angeles, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' (USCCB) Committee on Migration. Archbishop Gomez, speaking for his brother bishops, said:

"I welcome the introduction of legislation today in the U.S. Senate. "The U.S. bishops look forward to carefully examining the legislation and working with Congress to fashion a final bill that respects the basic human rights and dignity of newcomers to our land---migrants, refugees, and other vulnerable populations."

Archbishop Gomez commended the so-called "Gang of Eight" senators for their leadership on the issue. He also said that after completing review of the voluminous bill, the bishops may seek improvements upon the proposed legislation, consistent with principles for reform laid out for decades by USCCB.

"I commend the Senators who have introduced this bipartisan bill, as they have shown leadership and courage in this effort," he said. "We will look to work constructively with them and other members of Congress to improve upon their proposal, should such improvements prove necessary, so that any final bill creates an immigration system that restores the rule of law in a humane and just manner."

Archbishop Gomez, in his weekly column in The Tidings, went into further detail on the Church's position: "Many people still don't understand the Church's commitment to this cause. For me it's a question of human rights and human dignity. It is a question of who we are as people and as a nation," he wrote.

Read his entire column along with other background on immigration here or contact Sandra Vargas, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , for more information.

Also from Washington, Bishops express disappointment in Senate failure to support regulations to reduce gun violence. Read the story here.