US Catholic Bishops Call for Immigration Reform Emphasizing Fairness and Humanity

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has issued a call for comprehensive immigration reform urging the government to adopt policies that treat immigrants with fairness and humanity.

This appeal comes in the wake of President-elect Donald Trump's victory, which has heightened concerns over potential mass deportations and stringent border controls. In a statement released on November 15, 2024, USCCB President Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, alongside Bishop Mark Seitz of El Paso, Texas, and Bishop Jaime Soto of Sacramento, California, emphasize the moral imperative to support immigrants. They highlight the need for an immigration system that offers pathways to citizenship for long-term undocumented residents, protection for childhood arrivals, and a robust asylum process for those fleeing persecution.

The bishops stress the importance of maintaining secure borders while ensuring enforcement measures target individuals who pose genuine threats to public safety. They further advocate for policies that deter gang activity, drug trafficking, and human trafficking, and underscore the necessity of safeguarding vulnerable migrants and their families. The timing of this statement is significant, occurring shortly after Donald Trump's electoral success.

Trump's campaign prioritized stricter immigration enforcement, including the mass deportation of undocumented immigrants, and he has appointed Tom Homan, former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), as his border czar. Homan has affirmed the administration's intent to focus on deporting individuals with criminal records and those involved in gang activities. During the USCCB's fall assembly, Bishop Seitz expressed concern over Trump's rhetoric but noted that often the reality differs from political discourse.

He vowed that the bishops would vocally oppose any policies that undermine human dignity. Archbishop Broglio reiterates that the Church does not endorse illegal immigration but recognizes the need to treat all individuals with compassion and care. The bishops' statement reflects a broader recognition of immigrants' contributions to American society, emphasizing their role in various essential sectors including food security and healthcare.