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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2012

Statement from the Bishops of the State of Mississippi on Immigration to Governor Phil Bryant and the Mississippi State Legislature
January 21, 2012
While we do not deny the legitimacy of concern for laws that are broken and for any behavior that threatens our national security, we, however, do not consider the search for employment, decent housing, and secure family units to be a threat to our society or our security.

Welcome address by Bishop John C. Wester at the USCCB Immigration Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah
January 11, 2012
I would like to welcome all of you to Utah and thank you for making the effort to come to this conference. This is a wonderful way to celebrate National Migration Week as we join with so many others throughout our country in giving witness to the tremendous contributions our immigrants make to our nation.

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

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.
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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).

 

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