Thursday, March 31, 2011

Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act

Minnesota is home to an estimated 30,000 Liberians, approximately 1,000 living under Deferred Enforced Departure which is due to terminate September 30, 2011. The Justice Office has been part of the Coalition for Permanent Residency (CPR) for Liberians since January 2007. During March CPR met with Congressman Keith Ellison, Siad Ali, constituent representative to Senator Amy Klobuchar and Amy Hang, field representative to Senator Al Franken. These meetings provided the opportunity to strategize and to urge Congressman Ellision, Senator Klobuchar and Senator Franken to take a leadership role in pursuing permanent resident status for Liberians. This week (March 29) Senator Amy Klobuchar and Senator Al Franken announced that they are co-sponsoring the Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act with Senator Reed (RI), Senator Kerry (MA) and four other senators, and Congressman Elison introduced the Liberian Refugee Fairness Act inthe House. Press Release Senator Franken Press Release Senator Reed, also calls for President Obama to act on the looming DED deadline. Press Release Congressman Ellison Ethnic Capitol Liberians Ethnic Capitol: Liberians

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

The Universal Church as Defender of the Rights of Migrants

"The Catholic Church and Immigration: Pastoral, Policy and Social Perspectives"
Catholic University, Washington DC
March 21-23, 2011

Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, who presented at Catholic University on March 23, 2011, stated, "Migration is not always a pretty sight, as, because of the nature of our world, persons on the move are often running away from danger, from wars, persecution, or grinding poverty. However, it continues to be a permanent part of the international landscape that cannot be ignored, because it involves human beings and their welfare."

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

World Water Week Activities


UN World Water Day, March 22. The World Water Day Coalition is organizing a series of events in Washington DC and advocacy opportunities across the country. On March 23, particpants from around the world will join together in DC for Advocacy Day to show their support for water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) issues and urge continued support from members of Congress.

Also visit: One Week for Water


(information received from LCWR (Leadership Conference of Women Religious)

Monday, March 7, 2011

11th Day Prayer for Peace: UN Women


Friday, March 11, 2011, 6:30 p.m.
Reflection by Cheryl Maloney, Consociate
Her Experiences at the United Nations for the
55th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women
Music by Kathleen Olsen, Consociate
Presentation of Our Lady Chapel, 1890 Randolph Avenue, St. Paul