May 31, 2019

	In This Update:
	U.S. House to Consider Immigration Reform Measures The Word from Lansing: Religious Agencies Are Vital Resources for State's Children

	U.S. House to Consider Immigration Reform Measures
	As early as next week, the U.S. House of Representatives is expected to consider a measure (H.R. 6) that would provide a pathway to citizenship for certain individuals. These individuals would include Dreamers, or undocumented immigrant youth who entered the United States as children; those eligible from countries designated for Temporary Protected Status (TPS); or those eligible from countries designated as Deferred Enforcement Departure (DED) as of 2016 and who have been living in the U.S. for at least three years. This policy, if passed, could impact approximately 2,662,000 people currently living in the United States. The U.S Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) supports the legislation, which would keep immigrant families together and recognize the needs of those who sought safety in times of need (TPS holders). The policy would also allow young, educated, and tax-paying Dreamers to continue their contributions to this nation, the only home most of them have ever known. Seven members of the Michigan delegation are co-sponsors of "The American Dream and Promise Act of 2019" (H.R. 6), including U.S. Representatives Dan Kildee (D-5th District), Elissa Slotkin (D-8th District), Andy Levin (D-9th District), Haley Stevens (D-11th District), Debbie Dingell (D-12th District), Rashida Tlaib (D-13th District), and Brenda Lawrence (D-14th District). MCC has reached out to the other seven members of the Michigan delegation to encourage their support. The U.S. House may decide instead to consider similar legislation in the coming weeks-including H.R. 2820, the Dream Act of 2019, and H.R. 2821, the American Promise Act of 2019-that include many of the same components as H.R. 6. Michigan Catholic Conference (MCC) will keep members apprised of the status of these bills as they are taken up on the floor for a vote.

	The Word from Lansing: Religious Agencies Are Vital Resources for State's Children
	For decades, Michigan has partnered with a diverse array of agencies-including faith-based-to provide excellent foster care and adoption services. This system has helped recruit new families and foster greater community outreach. MCC's The Word from Lansing delves into a recent State settlement that harms the work of these faith-based agencies, as well as two lawsuits that fight to preserve critical services for children and families.  If this email was forwarded to you, please click here to join the Catholic Advocacy Network, which will enable you to receive regular electronic updates and alerts. For other news and information, click here to follow MCC on Twitter, like MCC on Facebook, follow MCC on Instagram, or visit MCC's webpage.

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