Immigration reform, among political priorities that identify the US bishops for Congress this fall

While US legislators prepare to return next week of their August recess, the United States Catholic Bishop Conference (USCCB) wants them to focus on the Migration reform and in strengthening federal social security network programs, among other issues, framing their defense work in the protection of human dignity and support for the most vulnerable.

“As a non -partisan organization, the USCCB is committed to the members of Congress, its staff, the White House and the Administration to promote the common good for all and defend the sacrality of human life and the dignity given by God to the human person,” he told CNA – Ewtn News – Chieko Noguchi, Executive Director of Public Affairs of the USCB.

“This means that the care of immigrants, refugees and poor is part of the same teaching of the Church that requires us to protect the most vulnerable among us, especially unborn children, the elderly and the sick,” said Noguchi.

When addressing the current public political priorities of the US Episcopal Conference, Noguchi referred to a letter sent to the members of Congress earlier this year by the president of the USCCB, the Arzobispo Timothy Brogliothat in addition to the immigration reform, he requested legislation that supported vulnerable communities, especially low -income children and families.

However, after the approval this summer of the expenses package “One Big Beautiful Bill Act“, Broglio criticized that measure for including” inconceivable cuts to medical care and food assistance, tax cuts that increase inequality, migratory provisions that harm families and children, and cuts to programs that protect the creation of God. “

An issue that has emerged recently for bishops is digital security. In A joint letter In July with other religious and family organizations, the USCCB expressed its support for the online security law for children (Kids Online Safety Act). The measure would impose greater responsibility for technology companies to design platforms that protect minors of harmful content and addictive characteristics. The bishops described the legislation as consistent with their commitment to safeguard children and promote environments where families can prosper.

This fall, immigration remains central in the USCCB efforts. Bishops continue to press Congress to grant permanent protections to the so -called “dreamers”referring to people who were taken to the United States when they were children.

“The continuous uncertainty associated with the DACA program (deferred action for children in childhood) is unsustainable and unfair, depriving working people of the possibility of being fully recognized as members of our society,” says the Episcopal Conference.

Bishops also oppose changes in social security network programs that would limit eligibility for families with mixed status (those with legal and undocumented members). They cite, for example, the tax credit for children, which currently only requires that the beneficiary child has a social security number.

“This is consistent with the objectives of these programs, which exist to empower families and prevent them from falling into poverty,” says the USCCB.

Protection Law for Religious Workers

Bishops are also urging the approval of the Protection Law for Religious Workerswhich as of August 22 had 10 Democratic legislators and three Republicans as copatrocinadores of the project in the House of Representatives, and would authorize the continuation of the non -immigrant legal status for certain religious workers affected by the current delay in the visas of religious immigrants.

And Similar project in the Senate It now has five Republicans and a Democrat as Copatrochinters. Numerous Catholic institutions, such as parishes and schools, depend on the international clergy. In An interview with Ewtn on August 7the United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, said the Trump administration is committed to resolving the delay in visas for religious workers.

Although at the beginning of this year the USCB finished its association of decades with the federal government to reassure refugees due to budget cuts and suspended agreements that made the program unsustainable, the bishops continue to ask for generous resettlement policies and a human application on the border.

Housing is also a growing political interest. In A letter from August 8the bishops urged Congress to strengthen financing for affordable homes and community development in the process of budget allocations for fiscal year 2026.

Meanwhile, the USCCB’s perspective around health policy remains linked to the main position of the Church. Bishops have firmly supported Congress’ efforts to ensure that federal programs such as Medicaid Non -finance abortions. In July, un federal judge blocked a disposition of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” that sought to parantned Planned Parenthood for one year and ordered the Federal Government to resume Medicaid’s reimbursements to that organization while the litigation on the law continues.

USCCB also supports the expansion of access to maternal health services, pediatric care and palliative care. In general terms, in fiscal policy, the USCCB has requested a federal budget that Prioritize the poor and reflect the Catholic principles of solidarity focused on the common good.

Bishops also continue to press for robust support for international humanitarian aid. As the global crises intensify, they have asked the Congress to provide funds for humanitarian assistance and development in the Fiscal Year 2026. Financing for the current fiscal year ends on September 30. The USCCB frames these legislative priorities as connected parties of a single mission.

“The decisions that make in their important work on behalf of our nation will have a lasting impact on the welfare and the common good of many people,” Broglio wrote. Congress returns from its summer break on September 2.

Translated and adapted by the ACI Press team. Originally published in CNA.