Myths and facts about immigration

(Editor’s Note: This is the fourth in a seven-part series of immigration reform articles prepared by the Indiana Catholic Conference. Capsule forms have been prepared for use in parish bulletins. Diocesan newspapers throughout the state have agreed to publish the series in its longer form.)

Perceived myth: Catholic bishops and the Church support illegal immigration.

Known fact: The Catholic Church and its 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,” a 2007 pastoral published by Indiana’s Catholic bishops).

Why is the Church so concerned about immigration?

The Catholic Church does not support unlawful entry into the United States 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 United States 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” (Dt 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” (Mt 25:35 ).

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 at indianacc.org. †