Second of Two Columns on Migration
My dear brothers and sisters in the Lord,
Perhaps it would be helpful to describe the position of the Church on migration by mentioning the five general principles which guide the Church’s view on migration issues contained in the Bishops’ statement entitled, “Strangers No Longer, Together on the Journey of Hope.”
The first is that persons have the right to find opportunities in their homeland; that is the person has a right not to migrate and to find a suitable living for themselves and their family in their country of origin.
The second principle is the converse of the first – persons have the right to migrate, to support themselves and their families. This is a long-standing tenet of Catholic Social Teaching.
The third principle balances the first two in that sovereign nations have a right to control their borders. They have a right to secure their country and its citizens from harm while at the same time determining the common good, not only of their own society but also the good of those who seek entrance into their society. This is a controversial point since the Church is accused of wanting open borders, which is not the case.
The fourth principle is the defense of refugees and asylum seekers who need an opportunity to state their case, which is a constant need in our world today.
Finally, we must have respect for the human rights and human dignity of the undocumented. Persons who are undocumented and those who enter under an irregular situation and overstay must be respected, even if they seem to have broken civil laws.
As we look through the current proposals for domestic immigration reform, we see that these principles truly can guide us in making good decisions about the best way to reform. Clearly, the Church view is that comprehensive immigration reform is the best path to solve the current situation for almost 12 million undocumented persons in our country.
The first step was taken last year in the passage of the Dream Act, which allowed undocumented children brought here by their parents to adjust that temporary status. There is much more to be done, however, in that we need to balance our immigration policy on the need for labor that has been consistent in our country. Not only farm labor but also other entry-level positions which do not compete with the domestic work force.
Unfortunately, the gridlock in Congress and the inability to pass a budget put the issue of immigration reform on the back burner. There is some hope, however, perhaps in the lame-duck session, that incremental or piecemeal legislation can be passed and start to remediate the situation.
Recently, two wonderful books have been published regarding immigration. The first is by Archbishop Jose Gomez of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles entitled, “Immigration and the Next America, Renewing the Soul of Our Nation,” published by Our Sunday Visitor Press. From a historical point of view, Archbishop Gomez points out that the next America will be different from the America we know today, and it is the issue of migration that will make that change. We will become a different kind of country, and this in effect is what most opponents of immigration reform fear. They wish to turn back the browning of America. But to turn it back now is an impossibility.
The other book is entitled “Strangers No Longer: Perspectives on the Historical U.S.-Mexican Catholic Bishops’ Pastoral Letter of Migration,” published by Paulist Press. When it was proposed that we have a joint statement between the Bishops of the U.S. and Mexico, I was chairman of the U.S. Bishops’ Committee on Migration. This was a historic event, since two bishops conferences had never issued a joint pastoral statement. The document took several years to draft, but it was accomplished. Now on its 10th anniversary, this book reviews the joint statement, its accomplishments and shortcomings.
Migration is a complex social issue, which, unfortunately, is not well understood. If we want to put out into the deep with the migration controversy and the connected development issues, we need to see the broad perspective of an agitated sea at this particular time. But I am sure, that with calm heads and the facts, that our Nation will come to some equitable immigration reform. Pray with me that this is accomplished soon for the good of so many migrants who suffer.
