No doubt many of us have received communications in the last several days addressing the harmful measures included in the “big, beautiful bill” moving through Congress now.  The Ignatian Solidarity Network and USCCB Justice for Immigrants have written to Congress and are once again urging faithful Catholics to do so as well, as many provisions of the bill as currently written would irreparably harm the poor and disadvantaged as well as our immigrant brothers and sisters.  A nearly 400% increase in funds for family detention is included as is $100 million to facilitate expedited removal of unaccompanied children without any access to legal counseling.  Prohibitive fees for family members and other safe sponsors would be imposed, including a $3500 fee for “reimbursement” for the time spent in federal custody and a $5000 bond before being allowed to care for that child.  Life-saving protections would be contingent on the ability to pay for them without any potential for fee waivers, e.g., all requests for asylum would require a mandatory $1000 fee.  Requirement of a $500 initial work authorization application fee for those with pending asylum claims with renewal every six months instead of every five years.  A $250 “visa integrity fee” on top of other fees would be required for every person who receives a non-immigrant visa, such as religious workers.  Ask our senators to protect human life and dignity and promote the common good by addressing these harmful provisions before moving the reconciliation bill forward.  
Submitted by Sharon Barron