[Episcopal Public Policy Network policy alert] Our nation’s immigration system is outdated and in dire need of reform. In a first attempt to address this broken system, Congress has introduced the bipartisan “Bar Removal of Individuals who Dream and Grow our Economy (BRIDGE) Act,” which would provide temporary relief to undocumented youth currently protected from detention and deportation under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

Through DACA, over 741,000 young adults that were brought to this country as children have been able to come out of the shadows and contribute to our society and communities. They have been afforded the ability to lawfully work, obtain driver’s licenses, buy homes and cars, and most importantly, live without the fear of deportation. DACA recipients are emblems of the American Dream, pursuing education and opportunities to better their communities.

The Episcopal Church has longstanding policy advocating for comprehensive immigration reform that establishes pathways to citizenship and prioritizes family unity. While the BRIDGE Act is not a comprehensive fix to our outdated immigration system, it is a crucial form of temporary protection for undocumented youth. Congress should begin the work of offering bipartisan solutions to individuals and communities by passing the BRIDGE Act.

Click here to take action now to support the BRIDGE Act 

Episcopal Public Policy Network is are committed to advocating for lasting solutions for all undocumented persons and their communities and will keep you updated as additional legislation is introduced. Find resources on the recent immigration executive orders, ways your community can stand with undocumented persons, and advocacy updates on our immigration advocacy webpage.