Welcoming Immigrants and Refugees

“They’re just like you. The things that you want in your life, it’s the same thing, what they want … so it’s not some ‘other.’ It’s us.”

Lesley Glennon, director of the immigration law clinic for the Catholic Charities of Ingham, Eaton and Clinton counties, on her experiences working with immigrant clients.

As every human person is a child of God, immigrants and refugees must be treated with dignity, respect, and compassion—including in the development of public policy. At both the federal and state levels, the Catholic Church calls for measures that protect the family and improves access to basic services. To provide welcome to immigrants and refugees, MCC supports:

  • Upholding the human dignity of all persons and working against injustices that compromise the dignity of immigrants.
  • Promoting access to state identification and Michigan drivers’ licenses.
  • Policies that welcome refugees and asylees to the state who have been admitted by the federal government, as well as policies that provide financial assistance using public and nonprofit organizations to help serve those in need.
  • Recognizing and promoting the value that immigrants, asylees, and refugees provide to Michigan’s culture and economy.

Latest News

A First Look at the Next Proposed State Budget

Lansing Update / Posted February 13, 2026

The Michigan State Capital Building in winter

The process to pass the next state budget began this week. Read more on the Governor’s proposals regarding MCC priorities such as nonpublic schools and helping mothers and children. Plus, MCC offered support to improve education choice for public school parents, and more.

Standing Against Gender Ideology in Public Schools

Lansing Update / Posted November 14, 2025

School lockers

Despite MCC objections and the voices of more than 1,000 grassroots advocates, the state approved the promotion of gender ideology in public school health education. Also this week, MCC offered support for legislation related to abortion reporting requirements and parental consent for minors' use of social media.

MCC Supports Proposed School Safety Policies

Lansing Update / Posted March 28, 2025

Three chidren crossing the street, heading to school for the day

Lawmakers are considering policies to help all schools better prepare for emergencies and protect students. Find out more about these bills, which MCC supports, as well as about the newly released edition of MCC's Focus publication that addresses a top-of-mind issue for many Americans.