Migration

The Committee and MRS

The U.S. bishops' Committee on Migration sets broad policies and direction for the Church's work in the area of migration. The Committee oversees the work of, and provides guidance to, the USCCB's Department of Migration and Refugee Services (MRS), which is comprised of various administrative, policy, and programatic offices, including: 

• Policy and Advocacy
• Resettlement Services
• Children's Services
• Anti-Trafficking Program
• Communications and Education, including the Justice for Immigrants Campaign

What We Do

The above MRS offices represent the bishops' interests in policy formulation and communication, advocacy, education, refugee resettlement, and other specialized services to at-risk and vulnerable populations, such as victims of trafficking and unaccompanied migrant children. The Committee actively promotes the U.S. bishops' migration-related interests with public policymakers at the national and international levels. Committee members and MRS staff periodically testify before Congress and meet with administration officials to advocate on behalf of the bishops' positions. Among the high-priority policy concerns of the Committee are comprehensive immigration reform and long-term integration solutions for newcomers. Consistent with its concern for the most vulnerable and the plight of forcibly displaced persons, the Committee occasionally arranges site visits to refugee areas of the world to evaluate conditions and make formulate recommendations for both the United States and international community.

The Committee on Migration, supported by MRS, has the following key mission responsibilities:

1. Advancing the public policy priorities of the bishops on migration issues and human trafficking, and providing policy direction to the USCCB

2. Administering programs designed to serve in the resettlement of refugees, human trafficking victims, and other forced migrants

3. Conducting fact-finding, advocacy and pastoral visits to address refugee crises and other migration issues of concern to bishops

MRS Mission Statement

Grounded by our belief in Jesus Christ and Catholic teaching, Migration and Refugee Services fulfills the commitment of the U.S. Catholic bishops to protect the life and dignity of the human person. We serve and advocate for refugees, asylees, migrants, unaccompanied children, and victims of human trafficking.