FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 29, 2013

Contact: Patricia Cole pcole@catholiccharitiesusa.org 571-527-3244

CCUSA Statement on Immigration Reform Alexandria, Virginia Rev. Larry Snyder, President of Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA), issued the following statement on immigration reform: Comprehensive reform of the nations immigration system is one of the fundamental principles of Catholic Charities USAs Campaign to Reduce Poverty in America. We are hopeful that ongoing bipartisan efforts will result in immigration policies that strengthen families, promote the security of our nation, and provide a path to lawful permanent residence and citizenship for undocumented workers and their families. Catholic Charities agencies across the country have been providing services to immigrants for over 100 years. Through this work, we are familiar with the economic and political forces that cause people to seek a better life in the United States and have witnessed firsthand the harmful impact of our nations current immigration policies on this vulnerable population. No longer can we allow these policies to separate families and drive an estimated 11 million undocumented persons into the shadows. Catholic Charities USA looks forward to working closely with our nations leaders on both sides of the aisle to ensure that we are able to remain faithful to our beliefs while meeting the needs of the millions of hard-working immigrants who come to our doors simply trying to build their own American dream. About Catholic Charities USA Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) is the national office for Catholic Charities agencies nationwide. Catholic Charities USAs members provide help and create hope for more than 10 million people a year regardless of religious, social, or economic backgrounds. To learn more about CCUSA, please visit www.catholiccharitiesusa.org ###