Church's Teaching on Immigration Explained
In the political debate over immigration, however, that basic message is often supplanted by appeal to a "higher good" - the rule of law. The U.S Bishops position on immigration does not ignore the rule of law, but urges Congress to re-examine the system based on respect for the life and dignity inherent to every human being. Catholics are encouraged to examine and consider carefully these principles (see below) as they decide on policy issues.
Bishop John Wester, chairman of the Migration Committee of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), explains: "The U.S. bishops and the teachings of the Catholic Church have consistently respected the right of the sovereign to control its borders, as well as the rule of civil law. However, the Church, along with other members of our democratic society, has the right to work to change laws which are believed to violate basic human dignity, dignity imbued by the Creator." (Read the complete interview here.)
The USCCB has outlined various elements of their proposal for comprehensive immigration reform. These include:
- Earned Legalization: An earned legalization program with a path to citizenship would require unauthorized workers to work for several years, take English courses, and pay a fine in order to participate in the program. Such a program would help stabilize the workforce, promote family unity, and bring a large population "out of the shadows," as members of their communities.
- Enforcement: The Bishops support the legitimate and important role of the United States government in enforcing immigration law at the border and in the interior. The Bishops also believe that by replacing illegal migration with legal migration, law enforcement will be better able to focus upon those who truly threaten public safety: drug and human traffickers, smugglers, and would-be terrorists. Any enforcement measures must be targeted, proportional, and humane.
- Future Worker Program: A worker program to permit foreign-born workers to enter the country safely and legally would help reduce illegal immigration and the loss of life in the American desert. Any program should include workplace protections, living wage levels, safeguards against the displacement of U.S. workers, and family unity.
- Family-based immigration reform: It currently takes years for family members to be reunited through the family-based legal immigration system. This leads to family breakdown and, in some cases, illegal immigration. Changes in the family-based immigration should be made to increase the number of family visas available and reduce family reunification waiting times.
- Addressing Root Causes: Congress should examine the root causes of migration, such as wage inequities and the lack of job opportunities in sending countries, and seek long-term solutions. The antidote to the problem of illegal immigration is sustainable economic development in sending countries. Ideally, migration should be driven by choice, not necessity.
- Restoration of Due Process Rights: Due process rights taken away by the 1996 Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act (IIRIRA) should be restored, particularly the use of judicial discretion in deportation proceedings.
Over the last 10 years, the U.S. Bishops have issued several statements about the immigration situation in the United States. Strangers No Longer, Together on the Journey of Hope (2003), is a pastoral letter issued jointly be the Bishops of the United States and Mexico. The statement - as well as several others - is available here.