More than one-third of Catholic college presidents nationwide are urging congressional leaders to pass a comprehensive immigration bill that includes a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants.
In a letter Thursday to House Speaker John Boehner and Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, some 93 Catholic presidents and several professors urged passage of a bill "that includes a road to earned citizenship," according to the
National Catholic Reporter.
"As Catholics engaged in public service, you have a serious responsibility to consider the moral dimensions of policy decisions," the college presidents wrote.
"We hope that as you face intense political pressure from powerful interest groups, you will draw wisdom and moral courage from our shared faith tradition," the letter stated.
"Catholic teaching values the human dignity and worth of all immigrants, regardless of legal status. We remind you that no human being made in the image of God is illegal."
Catholic Bishops have been advocating for the passage of an immigration measure, citing Pope Francis, who took to Twitter on July 8 to address the issue,
The Washington Post reported.
"We pray for a heart which will embrace immigrants. God will judge us upon how we have treated the most needy," Pope Francis tweeted.
According to
The New York Times, the college presidents also plan to call their congressmen and personally urge them to vote for the immigration reform. In addition, they plan to meet with church leaders and encourage Catholic laypeople to put pressure on their representatives.