Bishops' Statements

Statements and Letters about Comprehensive Immigration Reform

If you are aware of any other statement featuring the issue of Comprehensive Immigration Reform and/or the Justice for Immigrants Campaign please submit its information to our national office by using the Contact Us form.

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2011

Letter from the Hispanic/Latino Bishops to Immigrants
December 12, 2011
“In your suffering faces we see the true face of Jesus Christ,” the bishops wrote. “We are well aware of the great sacrifice you make for your families’ well-being. Despite your contributions to the well-being of our country, instead of receiving our thanks, you are often treated as criminals because you have violated current immigration laws.”
En Español | Read More

A Pastoral Letter on Immigration from the Catholic Bishops of Wisconsin: Traveling Together in Hope
December 12, 2011
Over the course of 2000 years, the Catholic Church has developed a special expertise in the area of immigration. Our universal Church has observed and participated in migrations all across the globe. We have helped millions of immigrants – Catholic and non-Catholic – to prosper in new lands. We have done so and will continue to do so because we see the image and likeness of God in every human being. From the Prophets to recent papal teaching, the Church has a consistent message: 
welcome the stranger (Mt 25:35).
We recognize that Catholics, all in good conscience, hold differing views about U.S. immigration policy. We also know that many are dissatisfied with the status quo and are looking for a workable solution. Our Catholic teaching provides important principles to guide us. | En Español
Read more: Q & A on Immigration from the Catholic Bishops of Wisconsin | En Español

Pope prays for migrants, encourages international assistance
December 5, 2011
Pope Benedict XVI expressed concern for the millions of migrants around the world, and encouraged the agencies trying to help them. "I entrust to the Lord all those who, often forcibly, must leave their homeland, or who are stateless," the pope said at his noon blessing Dec. 4.

Cardinal Roger M. Mahony blogpost from Los Angeles: Good news for immigration reform
December 1, 2011
I am greatly encouraged by these results since some 67% of Americans polled favor some form of path to legal residency for the 11 million. Only 25% believe that all should be found and deported--an impossible task, of course.
These poll numbers reflect the great American spirit, an appreciation of the contributions of all immigrants down through the centuries here, and a realization that so many of our recent immigrants share our values and want to work hard for their families and for the country.

Archbishop Edwin F. O’Brien of Baltimore: Bumper-Sticker Ethics?
November 10, 2011
Most of us can agree that the rule of law is the foundation of a civilized society and that we must not encourage illegal behavior by people who knowingly break the law. However, we can also agree that the solution to our country’s broken immigration system is not to penalize undocumented children who were brought here by their parents. Denying these young people, who have worked hard and have much to offer, the same chance as their classmates to gain access to a college education will deny all of society the benefit of ensuring that they can one day achieve their dream of becoming valued and productive members of our community.
View the article

A Reflection on Illegal Immigration from Catholic and Protestant Bishops in Kansas
November 9, 2011
And why would we be anything but welcoming and helpful, remembering our personal and national stories? A yet stronger motive is given in the teachings of Jesus: “[I was] a stranger and you welcomed me … whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:35, 40). “Love one another as I have loved you,” Jesus says (see John 13:34).

Message of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees (2012): Migration and the New Evangelization
Christian communities are to pay special attention to migrant workers and their families by accompanying them with prayer, solidarity and Christian charity, by enhancing what is reciprocally enriching, as well as by fostering new political, economic and social planning that promotes respect for the dignity of every human person, the safeguarding of the family, access to dignified housing, to work and to welfare.
En Español | Read the Catholic News Service article

Cardinal Roger M. Mahony blogpost from Los Angeles: Why do we always blame immigrants?
October 23, 2011
As candidates for President debate various national issues it’s amazing that one of the new electability standard is whether an unauthorized worker was ever on one’s property doing any kind of work. It seems that being untouched by an immigrant in any way is the new litmus test to serve in elected office.

USCCB Chairman Applauds New Deportation Policy, Encourages Expeditious Implementation That Focuses On Immigrant Families, Youth
September 29, 2011
The decision embodies the kind of common-sense, compassionate immigration policies that can serve to simultaneously enforce federal immigration law while respecting the dignity and vulnerabilities of the migrants in our midst,” Archbishop Gomez said. “We urge you to implement this policy expeditiously and in concert with [our] priority recommendations.”

Migration Committee Chair Expresses Support For Alabama Bishops’ Efforts To Reverse Unjust State Immigration Law
September 8, 2011
On behalf of the U.S. Catholic bishops, I offer my solidarity with and support to Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi, archbishop of Mobile, AL, and Bishop Robert J. Baker, bishop of Birmingham, AL,—in close collaboration with other religious leaders of the State—in their efforts to turn back a State law which would threaten the ministry of the Church in Alabama to undocumented immigrants.
The Catholic Church provides pastoral and social services to all persons, regardless of their immigration status. Our mandate is to provide for the pastoral and social care of all of God’s children. Government should not infringe upon that duty, as America’s founding fathers made clear in the U.S. Constitution.
En Español

Statement of Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi of the Archdiocese Mobile and Bishop Robert J. Baker of the Diocese of B regarding the Alabama Immigration Law
August 29, 2011
"We believe that our involvement in this case was necessary and important.  For the sake of our congregations, and the many people we serve, it was vital that we sought to protect our clergy, staff, and parishioners from criminal prosecution as they carry out their Christian mission."
En Español

Bishop Joseph Galante of Camden, NJ: Why the DREAM Act transcends politics
August 25, 2011
Some wonder why church leaders speak out on what are often considered merely political issues. However, what are called political issues really affect people, their lives, their present and their future. These issues do not exist in a vacuum detached from human beings.
So very often what are seen as mere “political” issues touch upon moral concerns. Religious leaders have a responsibility to teach about what is just, right and moral. Such issues are not spoken of because of a particular political party affiliation but rather because they touch the lives of so many people.

Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi of Mobile: Alabama Churches Unite to Halt Anti-Immigration Law
August 19, 2011
This new Alabama law makes it illegal for a Catholic priest to baptize, hear the confession of, celebrate the anointing of the sick with, or preach the word of God to, an undocumented immigrant. Nor can we encourage them to attend Mass or give them a ride to Mass. It is illegal to allow them to attend adult scripture study groups, or attend CCD or Sunday school classes. It is illegal for the clergy to counsel them in times of difficulty or in preparation for marriage. It is illegal for them to come to Alcoholic Anonymous meetings or other recovery groups at our churches.

New Mexico Conference of Catholic Bishops:
Licenses for all drivers: A matter of mercy, fairness, and safety
August 15, 2011
We understand that many people are frustrated at the current state of affairs surrounding immigration in our state and nation. Ultimately, however, the issue of immigration reform is of enormous importance. The principal driving force behind the vast majority of undocumented immigrants’ presence in the State of New Mexico, and elsewhere, resides in a chronic lack of legal visas available under our current immigration system. With a total of only 5,000 permanent visas offered to unskilled laborers for legal entry into the U.S., it is clear why as many as 300,000 undocumented people each year are absorbed into our nation’s workforce. Comprehensive immigration reform would replace illegality with a system based on legal presence and legal entry. This would restore the rule of law to a chaotic system while protecting the basic dignity and lives of our fellow brothers and sisters, as well as preserving the dignity of the rule of law.

Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles in L'Osservatore Romano:  Immigration and the `Next America´perspectives from our history
August 11, 2011
As Catholics who are faithful citizens in America we have to answer these questions within a larger frame of reference. As Catholics, we have to always remember that there is more to the life of any nation than the demands of the moment in politics, economics and culture. We have to consider all of those demands and the debates about them in light of God’s plan for the nations.
This is a big challenge for us in this culture. Our culture pushes us to “privatize” our faith, to separate our faith from our life in society. We always have to resist that temptation. We are called to live our faith in our businesses, homes and communities, and in our participation in public life. That means we have to bring a Catholic faith perspective to this debate about immigration. We cannot just think about this issue as Democrats or Republicans or as liberals or conservatives.

Detroit Free Press Guest Commentary by Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron: Everyone deserves to be treated well
August 6, 2011
Our nation certainly has the right to regulate its own borders to control immigration, but those borders must be regulated with justice and mercy, as people have a God-given right to migrate when necessary to sustain their lives and their families.

Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles addressing the delegates at the 129th Knights of Columbus National Conference
August 3, 2011
I am not a politician. I am a pastor of souls — and an American citizen. That is my perspective on these issues. As pastor of the largest Catholic community in the United States, I am deeply affected by our nation’s immigration policy crisis. Historically, the Catholic Church has always been a Church of immigrants — just as America has always been a nation of immigrants. American Catholics form one spiritual family drawn from some 60 ethnic and national groups from every continent. In the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, ministry and worship is conducted in 42 languages.

Statement of Bishop Robert J. Baker of Birmingham on Alabama's Immigration Law
August 1, 2011
The law prohibits almost every activity of our Catholic Social Services. If it involves an undocumented immigrant, it is illegal to give the disabled person a ride to the doctor; give food or clothing or financial assistance in an emergency; allow them to shop at our thrift stores or to learn English; it is illegal to counsel a mother who has a problem pregnancy, or to help her with baby food or diapers thus making it far more likely that she will choose abortion.
En Español

Cardinal Roger M. Mahony blogpost from Los Angeles: California gets first half of DREAM Act
July 25, 2011
Hindering undocumented college students is wrong on all counts--morally, socially, and economically. With some 10,000 baby boomers beginning to retire each day across the country, we will need all of our college and university graduates to not only fill those jobs, but to help create new employment opportunities in exciting new fields.

Michigan Roman Catholic Bishops' Statement on Immigration
July 19, 2012
While these national immigration problems must be resolved, it is unfair and mistaken to blame the undocumented for problems more accurately attributed to a failed policy.  The federal government has the responsibility to enact and enforce laws that treat migrant peoples with the same dignity as its native-born citizens.
En Español

Op-Ed by Bishop John C. Wester: Immigration Enforcement
July 8, 2011
There is no disagreement that effective enforcement of the law should be a central component of our national immigration policy. Indeed, the Catholic Church believes that enforcement of our immigration laws is a vital component of any workable immigration system. The question is how this enforcement is implemented, as sound and humane public policy should protect the God-given dignity of the human person, regardless of their legal status.

USCCB Statement on the DREAM Act as submitted to the Senate Judiciary Committee - Subcommittee on Immigration, Refugees and Border Security
June 28, 2011
In the absence of comprehensive immigration reform, DREAM Act-eligible children are among the most vulnerable of the unauthorized population in the United States. We have a choice as a nation – either to ensure that these capable and patriotic long-term members of U.S. society fulfill their promise and serve our country or to separate them from their families and communities and return them to nations they do not know. It is morally incumbent upon us as a nation to choose the former, not the latter.

Archbishop Thomas Wenski of Miami: On immigration, an abdication of responsibility
June 13, 2011
Despite nationwide polls which show majority support for comprehensive immigration reform and a path to citizenship for the undocumented, the new Congress has already kicked the can down the road, with many proclaiming it a dead issue. Some have argued that the border must be secure before proceeding to a reform bill, but have failed to provide a realistic definition of what “secure” means.
En Español

Cardinal Roger M. Mahony blogpost from Los Angeles: U.S. Supreme Court and Immigration
May 27, 2011
All the Supreme Court did on May 26 was to nibble around the edges of our completely out-dated system to balance the need for workers with the supply for those workers.

POLITICO Op-Ed by Archbishop Thomas Wenski of Miami: Immigration reform must find balance
May 24, 2011
What are the human costs of this federal inaction? Immigrant families — many with U.S.-citizen children — are being separated; the effective working relationships and trust that once existed between immigrant neighborhoods and local law enforcement have been seriously eroded. Should federal reform be shelved indefinitely and state and local enforcement continue unchecked, the nation’s social fabric will begin to tear — to the detriment of all Americans.

Cardinal Roger M. Mahony blogpost from Los Angeles: New opportunity for Congress to act on immigration reform
May 12, 2011
Congress has the opportunity to take action on two pieces of legislation which will greatly assist two large groups of people. The first is to consider and pass in the House and Senate the DREAM Act and AgJOBS. The first has already been introduced, and the second will be introduced shortly.

Bishops’ Migration Chairman Urges President and Congress to Act on Comprehensive Immigration Reform
May 6, 2011
Archbishop Gomez said that immigration reform is long overdue and requires bipartisan cooperation and leadership. “Congress and the President have a responsibility to come together to enact reform that corrects this humanitarian problem, respects the dignity and hard work of our immigrant brothers and sisters, and reflects America’s proud history as a hospitable society and a welcoming culture.”

Archbishop Edwin F. O’Brien of Baltimore: Movement’s Dark Origins Exposed
April 28, 2011
While there are legitimate concerns about the extent of illegal immigration in our nation, we must also be wary of an anti-immigration movement afoot in our country, including right here in Maryland, that is fueled in large part by a man who has spent much of his life, albeit it at a great distance, playing on people’s fears and prejudices to advance his own racist and classist agenda.

Cardinal Roger M. Mahony blogpost from Los Angeles: President Obama and Immigration Reform
April 20, 2011
The President is the one person in our country who can begin to bring together a consensus on immigration reform. But we need to move beyond demagoguery and global assertions about various immigrant groups.

Op-Ed: Archbishop Thomas Wenski on Immigration Reform
April 20, 2011
Enforcement of federal immigration law is a function of the federal government. If Floridians want to contribute positively to addressing the problems caused by illegal migration, then they should join forces with those pressing Congress for a federal solution – one that honors the rule of law but, at the same time, affords our migrant brothers and sisters the respect and dignity that is theirs as human beings made in the image and likeness of God.

Statement of Most Reverend José H. Gomez, Archbishop of Los Angeles and Chair, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Migration on the H-2A Visa Program Submitted to The House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration Policy and Enforcement
April 13, 2011
All agricultural workers – those here both temporarily and permanently – are entitled to safe working conditions, adequate housing, a living wage and benefits for themselves and their families, and the opportunity to become permanent members of U.S. society.
Because of this, Mr. Chairman, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops opposes any expansion of the current H-2A nonimmigrant worker program and instead supports reform through AgJOBS.

Texas Capital-Area Bishops Advocate for Immigrants
April 13, 2011
In an unprecedented gathering of interfaith religious leaders, Capital Area bishops and clergy held a press conference today to call on legislators to oppose measures that would harm immigrant families.
En Español

Alabama Catholic Bishops' Joint Statement on Immigration
April 12, 2011

Testimony of Ambassador Johnny Young, Executive Director, Migration and Refugee Services - U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, on the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program Before The House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration Policy and Enforcement
April 5, 2011
The U.S. Catholic Bishops ask that Congress maintain lawful avenues for immigration to the United States and continue to prioritize the diversification of our immigrant pool. The Diversity Immigrant Visa is an important facet of both our domestic and foreign policy objectives. If we are truly concerned about the rule of law, the wholesale elimination of legal avenues for immigration, such as the Diversity Visa, is not the answer.

Cardinal Roger M. Mahony blogpost from Los Angeles: Immigration reform possible now?
April 4, 2011

Oklahoma Catholic Church leaders speak out on immigration
March 29, 2011
Immigration should be the responsibility of federal lawmakers, and laws passed should treat the undocumented humanely and with dignity, respecting the disadvantaged, families and children, says a statement released by Catholic Church leaders in Oklahoma.

Charleston, South Carolina: Statement on Immigration Reform by Bishop Robert E. Guglielmone
March 18, 2011
Some states have enacted quite restrictive legislation that may well jeopardize family life and lead to general mistrust of people who should be able to treat each other as brothers and sisters. I urge all people of good will in our state of South Carolina and our lawmakers in particular to reflect carefully on the “collateral damage” such legislation may have for our state.
I urge all Catholics to reflect on the social teaching of the Church which demands that human dignity, human rights and family considerations must be respected at all times.
En Español

Bishop of Providence, Rhode Island delivers keynote at Brown University conference on immigration
March 12, 2011
The Most Rev. Thomas J. Tobin delivered a keynote address on Saturday March 12 at a conference hosted by Brown University: Immigrants and Immigration in the 21st Century.  The purpose of the conference was to bring together academics, political leaders, business people and the advocacy and social services world in a constructive discussion of immigration issues.
Read Bishop Tobin's keynote address

Pastoral Statement on Immigration by the Catholic Bishops of Georgia
March 3, 2011
We reiterate our call to the members of the Georgia General Assembly, to our Catholic constituents and to all people of good will to speak out in support of comprehensive, federal immigration reform legislation consistent with the values of faith and family that we profess.
En Español

Texas Catholic Bishops Join Other Faith Leaders in Call for "New and Gracious Tone" in State Immigration Debate
March 2, 2011
Read the press release

Archbishop Edwin F. O’Brien of Baltimore: Immigration a Test of Faith
February 25, 2011
As people of faith, we are called each day to rely on the Holy Spirit to guide us in all our decisions. At the same time, as citizens, we are called to live by the laws and civil order of our state and country. In following the law of the land as faithful Catholics, we must abide, respect and protect our civil law, order and system of justice. Yet, we must remember that, above all, we are called to a higher natural law of love and human dignity. This higher natural law that Christ has given us is the supreme and one truth: that God is love itself, truth itself, and that we are – each and every one of us – His children, who literally and figuratively form the very body of Christ himself. This is not a platitude; rather it is the eternal truth.

Bishop John C. Wester of Salt Lake City: Many roadblocks exist to legal immigration
February 25, 2011
In discussions of undocumented immigrants, the question is often asked: Why don’t they just get in line? The simple answer is that there is no line for the large majority of those who have come to Utah without authorization or overstayed their visas. A Jan. 2011 survey by The Immigration Forum found that 98% of those surveyed indicated that they prefer to live and work lawfully and would have entered lawfully if there had been such an opportunity.

Jackson, Mississippi: Day of Prayer and Fasting for Just Immigration Reform
February 14, 2011
As Bishop of the Diocese of Jackson, I reiterate my previous statements in union with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, that we need a national comprehensive immigration policy change rooted in justice and the dignity of the human person. Our fellow human beings, fellow Christians and in most cases our fellow Catholics walk in fear and are being pushed to the margins of life. This is occurring because of very specific decisions and actions on the part of some, albeit, well- intentioned people; as well as silence, on the part of many good people.
En Español

Sioux Falls, South Dakota: Statement on Immigration by Bishop Paul J. Swain
February 13, 2011
It is inviting to discuss this issue in generalities and impersonally. The fact however is that every immigrant, legal or not, is a person gifted by God with life and deserving of being treated with dignity. Further, every immigrant is born of a family whose bonds stretch across borders and citizenships. All of us must be held accountable for choices we have made, but all of us should also be allowed appropriate due process and afforded the proper respect as a human person.
It is important to recall our history. We are a nation of immigrants. The histories of our state and diocese are filled with heroic stories of those who came from many countries, some welcomed and some not, endured significant sacrifice and hardship, but with faith in God and by living Gospel values, persevered.

Testimony of Most Reverend José H. Gomez, Coadjutor Archbishop of Los Angeles and Chair, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Migration on The National Employer Electronic Verification System (E-VERIFY) Before The House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration Policy and Enforcement
February 10, 2011
First, and foremost, we urge lawmakers to not consider mandating the expanded use of E-Verify unless they do so as part of a comprehensive immigration reform bill. As I have stated previously, the U.S. Catholic Bishops believe that comprehensive reform, including a broad legalization program and the expansion of legal avenues for low-skilled workers to enter the United States lawfully, is a moral, economic, and policy imperative.

Cardinal Roger M. Mahony blogpost from Los Angeles: Tragic waste of our youth and our money
February 9, 2011
The failure of the U.S. Senate to pass the DREAM Act on December 18, 2010 was a tragedy on two counts: first, thousands of young men and women have concluded their college/university studies, and they are now prepared to get jobs which will help our economy recover and thrive; but without legal residence status, they are barred from using their education.

Deportations to Haiti Should Be Halted, Say USCCB Migration Committee Chair and Chairman of Catholic Relief Services
February 7, 2011
Now is not the time to resume deportations to Haiti, nor would it be morally or politically appropriate to do so in the foreseeable future. To continue deportations in the face of such conditions would represent a knowing disregard for the life and dignity of Haitians scheduled for deportation.

Bishop Robert W. Finn, Diocese of Kansas City - St. Joseph: Immigration laws require 'expanded vision.'
February 5, 2011
We ought not to be satisfied with the present circumstance of the undocumented migrant until our leaders work harder to reform immigration in our country. The law of human dignity, and the integrity and protection of families, must be able to live side by side with meaningful border controls and a responsible and obtainable path to
citizenship. Immigration reform is a volatile issue in our country and, true enough, elected officials are caught in the divide. But we must be willing to work hard in support of meaningful reform.
Read Bishop Finn's Homily for the Mass at the Immigration Conference.

Cardinal Roger M. Mahony, Archbishop of Los Angeles, speaking at the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, on why America needs immigration reform
February 2, 2011
I would like to begin, then, by telling three short stories:  In August 2008, a young woman and her three young children aged 14, 10 and 6, were driving from their home in Western North Carolina to visit their father, who was working in Maryland. At 2 a.m., they were stopped by a sheriff’s deputy on Interstate 85. The officer arrested the woman, an undocumented immigrant from Honduras, for driving without a license. The children were left on the side of the road as the police car drove off with their mother. The children spent the next nine hours hiding in the bushes alongside the highway—scared, exhausted and distraught—until their father arrived from Maryland to rescue them.
Read More | Video

Testimony of Most Reverend José H. Gomez, Coadjutor Archbishop of Los Angeles and Chair, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Migration Before the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration Policy and Enforcement
January 26, 2011
Mr. Chairman, the U.S. Catholic Bishops do not believe that “enforcement only” immigration policies will humanely resolve the policy dilemma created by an increasing number of unauthorized immigrants in the United States. Rather, we support comprehensive immigration reform to fix what has become a broken system. Such reform would include:  an earned legalization program for foreign nationals of good moral character; the reform of the family-based immigration system; a revamped temporary worker regime that protects both the workers who would come to the United States and U.S. citizen workers; the restoration of immigrants’ due process rights; and an effort to meaningfully address the root causes of migration, such as under-development and poverty in sending countries.

Statement of Cardinal M. Mahony, Archbishop of Los Angeles, on his retirement
January 16, 2011
Over the years immigrant peoples have become very dear to me, and Jesus continues to call me to walk with them on their journey. I intend to spend the coming months and years walking in solidarity with the 11,000,000 immigrants who have come to the United States to improve their own lives and the life of our country and to advocate on behalf of the silent millions.
Read More | En Español | Read more from Cardinal Mahony's Blog

Texas Catholic Bishops to their Legislature: Reject Arizona-style immigration policies
January 6, 2011
We must recognize and welcome the contributions of immigrants to our great state. We call on the Texas legislature to reject Arizona-style immigration policies. We look forward to working with the legislature and our immigration partners to enact state-appropriate laws that recognize the historic and present-day contributions of immigrants in Texas.

National Migration Week Statement by Francis Cardinal George, OMI of Chicago
January 2, 2011
Migrants and immigrants who have entered our country without proper documents live in the shadows every day fearing the possibility of deportation, of being separated from their spouses and their children. Yet while most welcome the economic benefits of their cheap labor, many condemn them for being here.
Read More | En Español

Statement by Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Raleigh on National Migration Week and immigration
January 2, 2011
I encourage your study of the teaching of our Church on migration, our Catholic understanding of the role of the State to regulate migration, defend its borders, its laws and its citizens, and to recognize that, in keeping with our teaching, migrants are also members of the one human family, our brothers and sisters in the Lord.

Florida Bishops Statement on Immigration
January 1, 2011
We call upon our federal delegation to lead the fight for comprehensive immigration reform in Congress. We call upon the Florida legislature to resist efforts to demonize those who provide the labor for our economy and a living for their families. Our Catholic Social Teaching and the tradition of the Church affirm the dignity of every human being, made in the image of God.
Read More | En Español

 

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