The Archdiocese of Los Angeles Friday announced it has launched a parish-wide online donation campaign to assist reunited immigrant and refugee families.
Proceeds from the campaign, launched in partnership with Catholic Charities Los Angeles, will be used for legal and education assistance to families through Catholic Charities' Esperanza Immigrant Rights Project. The online page is accessible via TheNextAmerica.org and https://secure.acceptiva.com/?cst=44fb3a.
"The tragedy of so many children being separated from their parents at the border is one of the cruel consequences of our broken immigration system and the failure of leaders in Washington," said Archbishop Jose H. Gomez. "I am inspired by this initiative through Catholic Charities Los Angeles. It is a beautiful sign of compassion and it will make a big difference in the lives of these little ones and their families. But at the same time, we need to keep praying and keep working for the reform of our immigration laws -- which is too long overdue."
Last month, the Archdiocese -- in partnership with Catholic Charities -- hosted a two-day radio fundraising campaign on Catholic broadcast outlet Guadalupe Radio, collecting $92,000 to benefit the campaign to help the reunited families, but more funds will be needed to support these and other families that might arrive in Los Angeles in the future, according to Isaac Cuevas, director of the Archdiocese's Office of Immigration Affairs.
Catholic Charities of Los Angeles provides support and advocacy to individuals and families, helping them to legalize their residency status and become naturalized citizens.
Through its Esperanza Project, Catholic Charities represents clients in immigration courts, and aims to meet the needs of the immigrant community, the group said.
