Speaker. a woman named Esmerelda was living in a rapidly deteriorating situation. When she became a victim of domestic violence. she knew she had to leave. But because her immigration paperwork was not in order. she did not believe it would be E1349 safe to turn to law enforcement authorities for help. Thankfully. she was able to turn to Catholic Charities who helped her secure safe housing. assisted her in applying for an adjustment of her immigration status. and helped her secure employment at a fulltime job that support her and her daughter. These are but a few of the countless miracles of hope and healing that Catholic organizations and agencies work every day and which demonstrate. as the Talmud teaches. that "whosoever saves a life. it is considered as if he saved an entire world." Mr. Speaker. I am hopeful that Members of Congress will receive the hopeful message of the first pontiff to address a joint session of the Congress of the United States with open hearts and in a spirit of goodwill. If we do this. I am confident we will be able to come together and find the common ground necessary to address the real problems and concerns of the American people such as fixing our broken immigration system. making college affordable. reducing the economic disparities. and reforming the criminal justice system. In the hopeful message of Pope Francis. we are shown the way to grace. Mr.
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immigration