Maggie Elmore, assistant professor of history at Baylor University, who is working on a book about the history of Catholic immigration agencies, told RNS that the bureau began cooperating with the federal government in the early 1920s “to provide services for immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers.”
“Today’s announcement is unprecedented and indicates a fractured partnership. This will take a tremendous toll on thousands of people for whom the conference provides lifesaving services,” wrote Elmore.
Elmore noted that the bishops’ Migration and Refugee Services department has faced federal funding cuts in the past under President Barack Obama’s administration because of the conference’s positions on birth control and abortion, as the administration gave “strong preference” to organizations that gave referrals for those services.
In his statement, Broglio indicated that the conference would continue to pursue immigration reform advocacy. “The Gospel’s call to do what we can for the least among us remains our guide. We ask you to join us in praying for God’s grace in finding new ways to bring hope where it is most needed,” he wrote.
This article originally appeared here.
