What's New
For past items on what's new, go to the archives page
Bishop Kevin Vann blogging from the Diocese of Orange, CA: Meeting with U.S. Representative John Campbell of Irvine
May 9, 2013
St. Joseph was an immigrant. By necessity he had to abandon his home, taking Mary and the child Jesus to a foreign land. St. Joseph throughout his many trials trusted in God’s providence and faithfully provided for his family. The plight of Joseph and the Holy Family in the gospel according to Matthew is mirrored repeatedly in the lives of many immigrants and refugees who have come to the United States.
Philadelphia Inquirer: "Camden bishop: 'Moral urgency' for immigration reform"
May 5, 2013
God, Bishop Sullivan said, "teaches us to welcome the strangers, to care for the least among us."
"We are keepers of our sisters and brothers. We pray, we beg that this message is heard outside these doors."
View photos from the story
Michael Sean Winters' blog, Distinctly Catholic, in the National Catholic Reporter: More on Immigration Reform
May 2, 2013
The Justice for Immigrants campaign has done a good job of educating Catholics about the issue.
Survey Shows Strong Catholic Support For Immigration Reform
April 19, 2013
Nearly eighty percent of Catholic voters support earned citizenship.
Most Catholics support the bishops' call to respect human rights and dignity.
Catholics need to contact their legislators.
En Español
Bishops’ Migration Chair Welcomes Introduction Of Immigration Proposal; Pledges To Work So Final Bill Upholds Basic Rights, Dignity
April 17, 2013
Archbishop Gomez commended the so-called “Gang of Eight” senators for their leadership on the issue. He also said that once it has completed its review of the voluminous bill, the USCCB may seek improvements upon the proposed legislation, consistent with principles for reform laid out for decades by the bishops’ conference.
En Español
U.S. Jesuit Conference and the Kino Border Initiative Greet Bipartisan Immigration Bill With Optimism and Caution
April 17, 2013
We join the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in thanking Senators Schumer, McCain, Durbin, Graham, Menendez, Rubio, Bennet and Flake for their dedicated leadership and courage in introducing this bill.
From CatholicCulture.org: "USCCB campaign: Thank Sen. Rubio for support for immigration reform"
April 2, 2013
The News & Observer (Raleigh, NC) Op-Ed: Immigration laws need reform
March 28, 2013
During Lent, we focus on the theme of repentance and what it means to change our ways and do right by God. As we observe Good Friday today, we recognize the suffering so many people have endured as a result of our broken immigration system: deaths in the desert, years in detention awaiting an immigration hearing, children left without parents and a class of people marginalized to the shadows. It is time to stop the suffering and to prepare for that Easter moment of transformation to new life.
Associated Press: Families Look For Relief From Immigration Bill
February 19, 2013
CatholicPhilly.com: Justice, prudence and immigration reform
February 19, 2013
We become what we do, for good or for evil. If we act and speak like bigots, that’s what we become. If we act with justice, intelligence, common sense and mercy, then we become something quite different. We become the people and the nation God intended us to be.
Our country’s chronic immigration crisis is a test of our humanity. Whether we pass that test is entirely up to us. That’s why the Catholic community needs to engage the issue of immigration reform as prudently and unselfishly as possible — not tomorrow or next week, but now. The future of our country depends on it.
Washington Post: Effort to change immigration law sparks internal battle within GOP
February 13, 2013
U.S. Bishops' Migration Chairman Urges President Obama and Congress to Enact Comprehensive Immigration reform
November 13, 2012
BALTIMORE— Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, chairman of USCCB's Committee on Migration, urged President Barack Obama and the newly elected Congress to work together to enact comprehensive immigration reform. Archbishop Gomez issued the statement during the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Fall General Assembly, November 13 in Baltimore.
"I urge the President and Congress to seize the moment and begin the challenging process of fashioning a bipartisan agreement," Archbishop Gomez said. "Millions of persons remain in the shadows, without legal protection and marginalized from society. As a moral matter, this suffering must end."
Read More | En Español
Cardinal Dolan Congratulates President Obama on Re-Election
November 7, 2012
WASHINGTON—Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, congratulated President Barack Obama, November 7, the day after his re-election as President of the United States.
Cardinal Dolan promised the prayers of the bishops saying that "The Catholic Bishops of the United States offer our prayers that God will give you strength and wisdom to meet the difficult challenges that face America."
He added that "In particular, we pray that you will exercise your office to pursue the common good, especially in care of the most vulnerable among us, including the unborn, the poor, and the immigrant. We will continue to stand in defense of life, marriage, and our first, most cherished liberty, religious freedom. We pray, too, that you will help restore a sense of civility to the public order, so our public conversations may be imbued with respect and charity toward everyone."
Read More | En Español
Arizona Catholic Bishops' Statement on Federal Court Lifting SB 1070 Injunction
September 19, 2012
With SB 1070 now in effect, it is imperative that racial profiling does not occur in its
implementation.
From the Arkansas Catholic newspaper: Politicians must tackle reform, Bishop Taylor urges
September 15, 2012
Holding up a thick volume of “Caring for Migrants: A Collection of Church Documents on the Pastoral Care of Migrants,” a compendium of Church teaching on immigration over the past 60 years, Bishop Taylor began his remarks, saying, “The fullest expression of Catholic teaching on immigration and national borders and the human rights of immigrants is rooted the dignity and transcendence of the human person as revealed in Scripture.”
Read More (and see a photo of Bishop Taylor) | Read Bishop Taylor's entire presentation
Address of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI to the Bishops of the United States (Regions XIV-XV and the Eastern Rite) on their Ad Limina visit
May 18, 2012
The Catholic community in the United States continues, with great generosity, to welcome waves of new immigrants, to provide them with pastoral care and charitable assistance, and to support ways of regularizing their situation, especially with regard to the unification of families. A particular sign of this is the long-standing commitment of the American Bishops to immigration reform.
Read More | En Español
VIDEO: Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles reflecting on immigration in an
introduction to the USCCB
document, Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, the call to political responsibility issued by the U.S. bishops in 2007 and reissued last fall.
Minnesota Catholic Bishops Renew Their Call for Comprehensive Immigration Reform
April 12, 2012
In the 1,300-word statement, “Unlocking the Gate in Our Hearts,” Minnesota’s Catholic bishops have joined their voice with their brother bishops around the country to encourage reform of the nation’s immigration laws. Due to the nation’s broken system, several states, most prominently Arizona and Alabama, have recently tried to address the problem by enacting their own policies. Minnesota has been considering similar enforcement measures. The bishops generally oppose these efforts.
Read more | Read the Minnesota Catholic Bishops' statement | En Español
Comments by Bishop Joseph Latino of the Diocese of Jackson, Mississippi prior to Catholic Day at the Capitol on Wednesday, February 29, 2012.
February 2012
Surely public issues such as the welfare of children and immigration, as well as the myriad of other challenges facing our state have strong moral dimensions.
Indeed the well-being of children should be at the forefront of all legislation. Current proposed immigration legislation will adversely affect children and families. As Catholics we must always defend the dignity of the human person and the dignity of the family.
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.
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
Southern California Public Radio: Why it's so hard to obtain legal status, even through marriage and family
November 25, 2011
Q: The families of these people who can’t adjust immigration status – including their U.S. citizen spouses, children – live in a sort of mixed-status limbo. Is there anything that families like these can do to change their situation?
A: Not under the current structure of the law. It effectively bars anyone who has been here unlawfully for more than 6 months. By requiring the person to leave the U.S. to get the immigrant visa, and then barring them for years once they leave, the law includes an ugly Catch-22. You need to leave to get a visa, but once you leave you're ineligible for the visa for 10 years.
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).
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
Archbishop Rodi of Mobile: Alabama Churches Unite to Halt Anti-Immigration Law
August 1, 2011
This law attacks our very understanding of what it means to be a Christian.
Bishop Wester Op-Ed: 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.
Vatican Radio interview: Out of the shadows
May 18, 2011
President Obama wants to fix what he's termed the U.S.'s "broken" immigration system to provide a pathway to American citizenship for around 11 million illegal immigrants. But what are the chances of this happening and and what impact is the current system having upon the lives of those undocumented migrants hiding in the shadows of American society? To find out more, Susy Hodges spoke to a representative of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Listen to the interview
The USCCB and the JFI campaign included in the President's remarks at the National Hispanic Prayer Breakfast.
May 12, 2011
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.”
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
National Migration Week 2011 Website | Read More | En Español
January 2-8, 2011
Homily of His Excellency Thomas Wenski, Archbishop of Miami, on the Feast of the Epiphany.
National Migration Week 2011 Statement by Francis Cardinal George, OMI of Chicago
| En Español
USCCB Chairman Calls Senate Vote on Dream Act A Setback, Not a Defeat
December 21, 2010
On behalf of the U.S. Catholic Bishops, I express my gratitude to those elected officials who did the right thing and voted for this important bill.
Read More | En Español
Archbishop García-Siller and Bishop Cantú applaud House passage of DREAM Act and ask U.S. Senators to do likewise
December 11, 2010
We extend our congratulations to the members of the House of Representatives who showed
compassion and courage passing the House version of the DREAM Act this past week. It brings this
nation one step closer to making the promise of opportunity for all in this land a reality to young people
who, through no fault of their own, are in the United States without legal documentation. We now ask
the U.S. Senate demonstrate that they share in this vision of the future of our
youth and of this great nation.
Read More
USCCB Chairman Commends House Passage of Dream Act, Calls on U.S. Senate to Follow Suit
December 10, 2010
We cannot let this moment pass. Our Senators must also pass this legislation, so that it can be signed into law by the President as soon as possible.
Read More | En Español
USCCB Statement on the passage of the DREAM Act in the House of Representatives
December 8, 2010
From Cardinal Roger M. Mahony, Archbishop of Los Angeles and Archbishop José H. Gomez, Coadjutor Archbishop of Los Angeles
Read More
Archbishop Aymond of New Orleans shares some thoughts on the DREAM Act
December 2010
Bishop Finn Urges Passage of DREAM Act
November 29, 2010
Today, Kansas City-St. Joseph Bishop Robert W. Finn wrote to members of Missouri's congressional delegation urging them to support passage of the Dream Act.
Read More
Statement on the DREAM Act by Archbishop José Gomez, Coadjutor Archbishop of Los Angeles
November 17, 2010
Today, I ask our elected officials in Congress to remember how we are all immigrants or descendants of immigrants and that we, too, have benefitted from this opportunity and the American values of fairness, compassion, and hard work. With the passage of the DREAM Act, we can welcome a new generation of Americans who will one day become the leaders of our communities.
Read More
U.S. Bishops Support Comprehensive Immigration Reform
Bishop John C. Wester of Salt Lake City, Chairman of the U.S. Bishops' Committee on Migration, expresses the bishops' support for comprehensive immigration reform. Such reform would take into account both the rights of a country to secure its borders and the rights of people to emigrate to support themselves and their families.
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