Staff Reports
In America, there are laws about who can come to the country and who can stay. These laws are important so that everyone can be treated fairly. Recently, some people in the Catholic Church have been helping immigrants who are in the country illegally to avoid being sent back to their home countries. This goes against the immigration laws of the United States.
The National Catholic Reporter and some church leaders are calling for a strong pushback against the deportation of illegal immigrants. They want church staff to know what to do if Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials come looking for people without the right papers. They even suggest giving out “red cards” with information on how to fight against deportation.
This is BY FAR the most reasonable and moral approach to the immigration issue I’ve read. It’s worth reading twice — “A Pastoral Statement on American Immigration Law and the Catholic Imperative of Upholding Human Dignity and the Common Good” https://t.co/bqe9pSvkEp
— Billy Atwell (@BillyAtwell) February 1, 2025
Some priests are being encouraged to give sermons that downplay the seriousness of breaking immigration laws. They compare being in the U.S. without permission to getting a parking ticket, saying it’s not a big deal. This kind of talk could make people think it’s okay to break the law if it benefits them.
The Church is also trying to make the immigration debate emotional by focusing on the personal stories of undocumented immigrants. While it’s important to treat everyone with dignity and respect, it’s also crucial to follow the laws that protect borders and citizens. St. Thomas Aquinas, a respected theologian, explains the balance between the right to migrate and a nation’s duty to regulate immigration for the common good.
Some activists are urging Catholics to donate to organizations that help undocumented immigrants and to reach out to politicians to change immigration policies. But it’s essential to remember the challenges faced by border communities and the strain on resources due to high levels of immigration. The focus should be on finding solutions that benefit everyone, not just on resisting the law.
Overall, the debate on immigration should not be about ignoring laws but finding ways to address the root causes of migration and help those in need in a lawful and compassionate manner.
