Government and Community Relations

Dee Rowland, Director

27 C Street
Salt Lake City UT 84103
Phone: (801)328-8641 x 336
Email: dee.rowland@dioslc.org

The Government Liaison represents a Catholic viewpoint at local, state and national levels of government.  Information and workshops on legislative issues and the legislative process are available to enable Catholics to become more involved in public policy decisions.

More Information

Public Opportunity to Object to the Death Penalty

IMMIGRATION

Two immigration laws are the cause of confusion for much of the general public and great anxiety among the undocumented and their families.

SB81: ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION was passed in the 2008 Utah Legislative Session and is scheduled to go into effect on July 1, 2009. Because the law pre-empts federal immigration law, there is the possibility that a lawsuit may be filed to prevent implementation. A similar law in Oklahoma is held up because of a Federal District Court lawsuit. A ruling from that court is expected in early April.

For an analysis of the impact of SB81 click here.

HB64: DETERRING ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION authorizes the Utah Office of the Attorney General to administer and coordinate the operation of a multi-agency strike force to combat violent and other major crimes within the state associated with illegal immigration and human trafficking. Participation in the strike force by state and local law enforcement is voluntary.

While the bill is intended to focus on felons, similar legislation in other states has led to racial profiling.

To read more about the pending developments regarding both of these bills, click here.

Catholic Teaching on Immigration

Catholic Teaching on Economic Life

Catholics Confront Global Poverty

Catholic Campaign for Human Development

Catholic Relief Services

¿Qué Hacer Ante las Redadas de Inmigración?

What to Do in the Event of a Raid

Raids Related Resources