Immigration: Catholic Unstanding and Commitment

Perceived Myth: Catholic Bishops (Church) support illegal immigration
Known Fact:
The Catholic Church and the Bishops do not condone unlawful entry or
circumventions of our nation’s immigration laws. The bishops believe that
reforms are necessary for our immigration system to respond to the realities of
separated families and labor demands that compel people to immigrate to the
United States in an authorized and unauthorized fashion. (Source: I Was a
Stranger, and You Welcome Me: Meeting Christ in New Neighbors Indiana Catholic
Bishops)
Why is the church so concerned about immigration?
The Catholic Church does not support unlawful entry into the U.S. or any country. The
Church respects the right of nations to control their borders and to enact laws in the best
interest of its citizens. Yet the Church teaches that some rights are inherent in the
human condition; these are natural rights, which extend beyond all national boundaries.
All immigrants, legal and illegal, have natural rights from their inherent dignity as
persons. Each is created in the image of God. (Gaudium et Spes)
All people should have their basic needs met in their homeland but have the right to
seek basic needs abroad if they cannot be met at home. The dignity of the human
person must be respected and priority must be given to family (re)unification. The
Church responds to immigrants not from their legal status but from the dictates of our
belief and teaching. While an action or immigration status can be illegal, a person can
never be illegal.
Nations may regulate borders to provide for national security, tranquility and prosperity,
but the right to regulate borders is not absolute. Regulations must promote the common
good, which includes not only members of the nation but also the universal human
family. (Catechism of Catholic Church)
The Church in the U.S. is especially mindful of the immigrant because it is an immigrant
Church, made up of people from all parts of earth.
The Church has a responsibility to assist the newcomer. In Scripture, God calls upon his
people to care for the alien. “So, you, too, must befriend the alien, for you were once
aliens yourselves in the land of Egypt” (Deut 10: 17-19). And in chapter 25 of the Gospel
of Matthew, Jesus identifies with the marginalized and commands us to respond when
he said, “I was a stranger and you welcomed me”.
For more information about the Church’s position see the pastoral statement by the
Catholic Bishops of Indiana, I Was a Stranger, and You Welcome Me: Meeting Christ in
New Neighbors available at the Indiana Catholic Conference web site, indianacc.org