USCCB: extend unemployment benefits, keep tax credit for illegal immigrants' children

February 13, 2012

Bishop Stephen Blaire of Stockton, chairman of the Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, is urging Congress to “extend emergency unemployment insurance in order that jobless workers and their families, who have suffered greatly in this economic downturn, can have a basic level of financial security as they seek stable, full-time employment.”

The USCCB’s call for an extension comes amid proposals by congressional leaders of both parties to cut the duration of federal benefits from the current 99 weeks.

In his February 9 letter, Bishop Blaire also expressed “strong opposition to proposals to alter the Child Tax Credit to now exclude children of hard working immigrant families.” Some Republicans have proposed legislation that would prevent illegal immigrants whose children are citizens from claiming the credit.

“Proposals to deny the credit to children of working poor immigrant families--the large majority of whom are American citizens--would hurt vulnerable kids, increase poverty, and would not advance the common good,” said Bishop Blaire. “To exclude these children who are American citizens from the Child Tax Credit is unjust and wrong.”

 

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Further information:

• Bishops Urge Congress To Protect The Life And Dignity Of Jobless And Working Poor (USCCB)
• Unemployment Extension Likely to Be Less Generous Than Current Law (Real Time Economics)
• Republicans: No tax break for illegal immigrants (AP)