We, the Daughters of Charity of the United States of America, stand with our Catholic Bishops in support of The Dream Act of 2017 (S1615). Along with many others, we were disappointed with the decision by the Administration to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Now, it is even more important to provide a long-term path of stability, safety and permanent residency to this unique population.
The Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, founded in 1633, in Paris, by St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac to serve the most vulnerable members of society, have served those in need in the United States since 1850. Current residents brought to the United States as children are foremost among those who warrant the security of a legal status to fulfill their dreams in the country where they have spent their lives and completed their education. The Dream Act helps the country toward a more secure future by providing a path for individuals who meet the qualifications, to fully develop their potential without fear of deportation, and with the hope of full citizenship.
We urge Congress to support the Dream Act of 2017 and any further legislation which helps hard-working, law-abiding families and children to be the best they can be while continuing their dreams for self-sufficiency and contributions to our society.
Women Religious have served the immigrant population within the United States of America over the past 200 years and have journeyed along-side these hard-working contributors to our society. We see the devastating effects of the current immigration system. Therefore, in addition to The Dream Act of 2017, the Daughters of Charity of the United States of America call on Congress to pass bi-partisan, comprehensive immigration reform legislation which will respond to the needs of this century’s immigrant population seeking to fully contribute to the American Dream.
The Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul of the United States of America comprises two Provinces with sisters serving in health care, education and social services.For more information about this and other social justice positions of the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul -USA contact: Sister Margaret Louise Brown, D.C., at srmlbrown@doc1633.org.