Hundreds of Catholic Leaders to Petition for Clean Dream Act

As the March 5 deadline for DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) looms, the Catholic community is escalating its demands for a compassionate response to the crisis faced by an estimated 800,000 Dreamers.

Hundreds of Catholic leaders will gather Tuesday, Feb. 27, at 10:30 a.m. outside the Russell Senate Office Building to demand a clean DREAM Act as a part of a Catholic Day of Action for Dreamers organized by PICO National Network and a coalition of Catholic social justice organizations based in Washington, D.C. The groups are demanding a new policy that protects Dreamers while not harming their families and communities.

The day of action will begin with a short press conference highlighting the voices of Dreamers, followed by a time of prayer led by Catholic clergy in the Russell Senate Office Building Rotunda. Following the conclusion of prayer, leaders will make visits to congressional offices to make sure members of Congress recognize the strong commitment of the Catholic community to stand in solidarity with Dreamers, their families and communities.

Participants will include Catholic Dreamers and clergy as well as also religious leaders from a variety of faith traditions. Several Catholic bishops have also been invited to attend.

Speakers will include Sister JoAnn Persch, RSM, Sister of Mercy and Bishop John Stowe of the Diocese of Lexington Dreamers. {eoa}