Catholic research and advocacy organizations in the United States have launched a new initiative aimed at strengthening the Church’s response to migrants and refugees facing heightened enforcement and deportation. The project, known as Catholic IMMpact, brings together the Hope Border Institute and the Center for Migration Studies of New York in a coordinated effort to support dioceses, parishes, and religious communities. Organizers said the initiative seeks to provide structured accompaniment, public witness, and parish level training at a time when many immigrant families are living in fear of separation and removal. The effort follows increased concern among Church leaders about deportations affecting individuals with long term ties to local communities, including those with legal protections now under review.
Representatives of the initiative said Catholic IMMpact is intended to translate Church teaching on human dignity into practical action at the local level. J. Kevin Appleby of the Center for Migration Studies said many immigrants who have lived in the country for years are being deported without due process, resulting in family separation and social instability. He added that Catholic parishes are uniquely positioned to respond because immigrant families are deeply embedded in parish life across the country. Organizers noted that the project builds on recent statements by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops opposing indiscriminate mass deportations and urging public authorities to respect legal and moral safeguards.
According to a joint statement from the participating organizations, Catholic IMMpact will deploy community engagement specialists to assist dioceses and religious communities in organizing responses to enforcement actions. These efforts include guidance on public accompaniment, training for parish leaders, and coordination of prayer vigils and advocacy initiatives. The project also plans to support Church leaders with research on the demographic, social, and economic impacts of deportation in their regions. Organizers said this data driven approach is intended to inform pastoral planning and public messaging while grounding advocacy in local realities. Assistance will also be offered for press engagement and the development of consistent communication strategies at the diocesan level.
Leaders of the Hope Border Institute said the initiative is already working with bishops and dioceses in several regions to prepare communities for the pastoral consequences of deportation. Executive Director Dylan Corbett described the project as a concrete expression of solidarity during what he called a moment of fear and challenge for immigrant families. He said Catholic IMMpact aims to help the Church respond visibly and coherently by combining pastoral care, research, and public witness. Organizers confirmed that regional gatherings with diocesan staff and parish leaders have begun, with upcoming meetings scheduled in Phoenix and Detroit. The initiative’s supporters said these gatherings are designed to foster coordination and shared strategies as local churches navigate the human impact of current immigration policies.
