Immigration

“Every migrant is a human person who, as such, possesses fundamental, inalienable rights that must be respected by everyone and in every circumstance.” (62) Caritata In Veritate, Pope Benedict XVI

The Catholic Church has historically held a strong interest in immigration and how public policy affects immigrants seeking a new life in the United States. Based on Scriptural and Catholic social teachings, as well as her own experience as an immigrant Church in the United States, the Catholic Church is compelled to raise her voice on behalf of those who are marginalized and whose God-given rights are not respected.

The Church believes that current immigration laws and policies have often led to the undermining of immigrants’ human dignity and have kept families apart.  The existing immigration system has resulted in a growing number of persons in this country in an unauthorized capacity, living in the shadows as they toil in jobs that would otherwise go unfilled.  Close family members of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents must wait years for a visa to be reunited.  And, our nation’s border enforcement strategies have been ineffective and have led to the death of thousands of migrants.

The Church has a responsibility to shine the message of God on this issue and help to build bridges between all parties so that an immigration system can be created that is just for all and serves the common good, including the legitimate security concerns of our nation.

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops: Justice for Immigrants

• Catholic Bishops of New Jersey Call for Comprehensive Immigration Reform

• Los Obispos Católicos de NJ Llamado a una reforma migratoria integral

• Q & A on Immigration Reform

• USCCB Justice for Immigrants Website
• Questions and Answers regarding the role of Catholic ministries in supporting and assisting migrants and refugees

USCCB

U.S. Bishops’ Migration Chairman Urges Administration to Keep Families Together
 

Catholic Bishops of New Jersey