Dear Editor: In separate letters (Feb. 24) Joe Leahy and Paul Kreig criticize Mary Geraghty’s (Feb. 10) support for immigrants by claiming that our immigration system is dysfunctional. While refugees from the Middle East, for the most part, are in fact rigorously vetted, the appearance on our southern border of unaccompanied teenagers and mothers with young children is indeed shocking. The common denominator for all these immigrants is desperation: they are fleeing violent situations, many of which are the result of misguided American military or economic policy.

As Catholics, we are called always to remember basic principles of Catholic social teaching. The most fundamental principle is human dignity: that each person is created in the image of God, is loved by God, and has an inherent right to freedom and security. This principle transcends politics; it is the principle Mary has expressed.

We accomplish nothing by vilifying people who are fleeing terror. Rather, we should monitor our own attitudes as well as the actions of our own government for adherence to the moral principles taught by our faith.

EDITH NEWMAN

Park Slope

 

Dear Editor: Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio’s column, “Calls for Immigration Reform” (Feb. 24), said among other things: “Finding a just solution for the so-called Dream-immigrants in the United States must be part of a larger reform of immigration policy in the country.”

He further stated: “Should Congress and the President achieve a by partisan solution to help the Dreamers – which could include funding for strategic border enhancements short of a wall…” The Bishop cleverly says “short of a wall.” The Bishop is siding with the Democrats who oppose any legislation that will allow President Trump to build a wall.

I remind the Bishop of what President Trump recently said: “My highest duty is to defend the American people and the Constitution of the United States of America. At the same time, I do not favor punishing children, most of whom are now adults, for the actions of their parents. But we must also recognize that we are nation of opportunity because we are a nation of laws. The legislative branch, not the executive branch, writes these laws – this is the bedrock of our Constitutional system, which I took a solemn oath to preserve, protect, and defend.”

The Bishop fails to speak out against Democrat sanctuary cities and their failing to work with ICE on the deportation of illegal immigrants who broke the law and were arrested. The Bishop seems indifferent to Democrats who willfully refuse to follow America’s immigration laws. Instead, he appears to give them redemption – not condemnation!

ED MOFFITT

East Flatbush