This week is National Migration Week, a campaign of the American bishops aimed at comprehensive immigration reform in order to legalize 11 million undocumented immigrants. The campaign has five goals: Provide a path to citizenship for undocumented persons;
preserve family unity as a cornerstone of our national immigration system; provide legal paths for low-skilled immigrant workers to come and work in the United States; restore due process protections to immigration enforcement policies; address the root causes of migration caused by persecution and economic disparity.
Since 1975 the Immigration and Legal Services (ILS) department of Catholic Charities of Dallas, Inc. has provided a broad range of immigration counseling and representation to immigrants and their families. Thousands of immigrants from Mesoamerica, Europe, Africa and Asia have been assisted by Catholic Charities ILS.
Migration is a major biblical theme. Abraham’s family moved to Canaan and then to Egypt. Jacob and his sons made their way to Egypt, and the Israelites made their exodus to the Promised Land. The people of Israel returned to Judah from exile, and, of course, there was Joseph and Mary’s journey to Bethlehem and their flight into Egypt. All were journeys of hope, either for refuge or a better life.
Which of us does not have ancestors who migrated to Texas, by ship or plane from Africa, Europe, Asia, and Central America or by foot across the Bering land bridge? But our memories are short and we need to be reminded from whence we came as God reminded the Israelites: “You shall not oppress or afflict a resident alien, for you were once aliens residing in the land of Egypt.” Exodus 22:20.
Recently an Hispanic friend was astonished to learn of the manner in which the German and Irish immigrants were treated in the mid 19th century, commenting, “I thought we were the only ones treated that way.” Pope Benedict XVI reminds us that: we all “belong to one family, migrants and the local populations that welcome them, and all have the same right to enjoy the goods of the earth whose destination is universal, as the social doctrine of the Church teaches.”
Immigration is a natural right, as Archbishop José Gómez of Los Angeles noted recently: “The right to life implies the right to emigrate — to leave our country if we must, to seek a better life for our families and ourselves. In a world divided by war, famine, persecution, and economic dislocations, immigration becomes a crucial guarantee of our right to life.” That right, the archbishop said; “does not depend on the whims of politicians or powerful people. That right does not depend on economic or political forces. Our rights come from God. And no man, no institution, and no set of circumstances can justify denying those rights.”
Bishop Kevin Joseph Farrell was appointed Seventh Bishop of Dallas on March 6, 2007 by Pope Benedict XVI. 
Agreed. Yet, this natural right does not negate the necessity to immigrate lawfully according to each countries established laws.
Man-made laws which stand in the way of God’s law are unjust, and no true law at all. Just because countries have immigration laws on their books which delineate certain quotas and procedures and preferences may make them legal but does not make them right or just. The blood of the martyrs throughout the history of the Church makes the same point the good Bishop and Archbishop do. Read your Catechism, but read the whole thing.
How does your position square with the Catechism of The Catholic Church, 2nd Edition, which states:
“. .. Immigrants are obliged to respect with gratitude the maaterial and spiritual heritage of the country that receives them, TO OBEY ITS LAWS to assist in carrying civic burdens.” (CCC 2241)
Why do Church Leaders always omit this teaching?
Yeah, good point. And consider also the culpability of the nation(s) from which the illegal immigrants felt compelled to depart? The idea is not so much to place blame, of course, but a comprehensive, honest assessment of all factors must be presented before rushing to a compassionate solution that ignores some of the harsh realities that contributed handsomely to the urge to leave one’s motherland or fatherland.
Hello Bishop,
I am a practicing Catholic but I must disagree with you. People do have the right to immigrate but it is not an absolute right. The place they are going to has its own rights and that place has the right to tell the person coming in that they must go through a process to become a citizen. Just as the Catholic Church tells people coming into the Church that they must go through RCIA. That is my view and I have not been convinced otherwise so far. If you can speak to that point then I may change my mind.
God bless,
Matt
Absolutely. We would do well to remember that all legitimate rights we have, including the right to immigrate, come from God. The other side of that, however, is a recognition that countries also have the right to control their own borders and immigrats have responsibilities towards the country to which they immigrate> As the Catechism of the Catholic Church states:
“Political authorities, for the sake of the common good for which they are responsible, may make the exercise of the right to immigrate subject to various juridical conditions, especially with regard to the immigrants’ duties toward their country of adoption. Immigrants are obliged to respect with gratitude the material and spiritual heritage of the country that receives them, to obey its laws and to assist in carrying civic burdens.” (CCC, no. 2241)
There is no easy answer to the questions raised by immigration in the U.S. these days (although the rise in entitlements makes having open borders – which I would prefer – extremely unwise and imprudent since it would lead to an undue burden on the state). What is clear, however, is that the U.S. is within her rights to control her borders and immigrants are duty-bound to respect her laws, including those governing immigration in the first place.
One certainly does have the right to emigrate. However, this right is subject to the right of the host country to regulate its immigration policies according to its own vital interests. Accordingly, those who seek to emigrate have obligation to adhere to the immigration laws of the host country.
This fact is ignored by those who enter into this country illegally, especially through our southern border. They are, unfortunately, aided and abbetted in this by unscrupulous politicians, groups like the National Council of La Raza, and, yes, even the U.S. Bishops Conference. Even the most modest attempts to deal with the serious problem on our southern border like Arizona’s SB 1070 are met with scurrilous and I believe, calumnious accusations by prominent American Catholic Bishops. Cardinal Mahony’s equated SB 1070 to the “techniques of German Nazis and Russian Communists” (http://cardinalrogermahonyblogsla.blogspot.com/2010/04/arizonas-new-anti-immigrant-law.html) and Archbishop Dolan equated it with the of Klu Klux Klan and KNow Nothing Party of the 19th century (http://www.catholic.org/politics/story.php?id=36322). When actually reads SB 1070, whose “papers please” provsion is pursuant to existing federal law that has been on the books since 1940, one cannot find an even remote justification for the remarks of Cardinals Dolan and Mahony.
The Catholic bishops have an obligation to teach the faith on this issue. And that is clearly deliniated by citing the binding moral principles which in turn demands a recognition of the legitimate concerns of all sides involved.
Sadly, by taking sides on issues like this, the bishops undermine the proper Catholic understanding they were ordained and consecrated to uphold. And it is the poor migrants themselves who harmed the most by it.
Immigration is NOT a natural right. This is a very odd and very American view of this issue. In the Old World and in any established society that consists of a common language, culture, religion identity immigration is represents a threat to social cohesion and often colonization through numbers where majorities become minorities. History shows cultures that are unable to resist immigration perish. The good Archbishop should say Hispanics have a claim to live in the USA because they were dispossessed by US policy in annexing territory which was Hispanic.
It is normal for immigrants if they have to leave their homeland to seek refuge in neighboring lands. Not to travel to land where they have NOTHING in common with those there.
Economic immigration that pays no account of the many negative effects on both the country of origin or host country is unacceptable. History shows countries have their origin in ethnic differences and identity. Immigration causes many conflicts and takes many many generation for blending to occur.
I support LEGAL immigration, and people who are in this country illegally and are not citizens must realize that they are violating our laws by taking advantage of those who are legally contributing to this nation. I am not sure every immigrant that is here illegally is motivated by noble causes. Many illegals commit crime and mayhem in America, but many others are decent and hard-working people who deserve to become full citizens. Many Americans cannot find work, and there are illegal immigrants taking work form legal American Citizens. This complex problem does not have an easy or simple solution. Immigration reform should be a priority of this current administration. This post seems to indicate that we should embrace every individual who desires to immigrate, we are broke! My spouse, who emigrated here in 1969, struggled with laws much more challenging than they are now. And as this country struggles, we will simply be unable to absorb everyone. The Biblical reference was many thousands of years ago, and resources are more finite in 2013 – the Bishops have a noble goal, perhaps not realistic? Currently, one out of every four children in America is on food stamps. This is our wake up call.
Thank you for being a Priest & a Bishop. It’s a vocation for men that have the strength to suffer for Jesus Christ.
It’s easy to test the proposition: *Immigration is a Natural-Right.*
Will the Holy Father swing open the gates of the Vatican, tear down the walls, & allow >ALL of us to immigrate & become citizens of the Vatican?
In God’s eternal Wisdom, He has given us a Pope to lead our journey to the Heart of God. Praise God now & forever!
Your Excellency, does a person have a natural right to enter our country contrary to our immigration laws?
Consider that if I wished to emigrate to Mexico, I would not be eligible for any support from that nation. In fact, I would be forbidden the right to reside there unless I could prove I had a minimum of $1,500 income a month–and NOT from a job in Mexico.
Furthermore, were I a woman from another country and gave birth there, my child would not thereby acquire Mexican citizenship.
With all due respect to our good Bishops, including Bishop Farrell, it would seem this discussion above is incomplete if we do not recognize the sovereignity of the Nations also. It is one thing to immigrate legally according to the law and quite another when massive numbers pour over our borders illegally and create both economic and social chaos. And we must ask the question why is it so many are leaving their own countries? Do the Bishops ever address the policies in those countries that produce such mass exodus? Many of these countries are Hispanic and Catholic. Why are the Bishops not addressing the evil conditions there that cause such pain and poverty? If we are our brothers keeper in the USA, are not also within those countries, the Christians, under the same obligations. As a wealthy Nation I realize we have much opportunity to aide those less fortunate but we still must do this while respecting the laws of the Nation that help contribute to a peaceful and meaningful existence.
After all, the Church, as pointed out above has requirements for entrance. Should we not expect requirements for entrance to our country? Perhaps we should look more closely at the current requirements and examine how effective and facile they are in performance rather than just on paper. Our illegal alien problem is not so much due to a lack of Christian charity but many other contributing factors as well. Many feel the Church is not altogether sincere in its motives. Most illegals are Hispanic and Catholic. The Catholic Church is dwindiling numbers so perhaps the Bishops motives might appear a bit self serving. Especially when their appeal lacks more in depth analysis concerning the complexity of the problem.
“You shall not oppress or afflict a resident alien, for you were once aliens residing in the land of Egypt.” Exodus 22:20.
This quote refers to a RESIDENT ALIEN, not an illegal immigrant. A resident alien is legal. He holds a green card, respects the host country, and pays his taxes. An illegal is – well. Big difference.
Nobody has a right to invade my home and squat there, unless, I invite them in.
Our country has laws and limits for immigrants.
Welcome them, yes, IF THEY ARE HERE LEGALLY. Uninvited? No!
Let them get their papers straightened out and come in with a full welcome.
Do not sneak into our country, into our homes, unless invited.
I cannot understand how any bishop can condone the breaking of the law.
My parents and my husband’s parents came from foreign countries LEGALLY.
Obedience to Just laws is a virtue and our laws (on this subject) are indeed, Just.
At a recent Bishop’s Synod in Rome, the Vatican stressed to Bishops that their primary role
is the Salvation of Souls. I fail to see that immigration saves souls, quite the contrary, as they are encouraged to break our nation’s law. Breaking a country’s law is one step away from excusing themselves to break God’s laws.
As a person who has a son in law who can’ t come here legally I am a bit ticked that those who hopped the fence get the empathy for purely the reason it serves them better economically. Where is the call by Bishops to Mexico & other countries to treat their people better? Where is the call to stop the corruption there or for us to drill our own oil sans the concern towards the wrongheaded policies of the Catholic Coalition on Climate Change, so that we stop giving undo power to those corrupt societies? Are you saying the USA should solve all the nations’ troubles without using our unfair share of resources utilized to their most efficient ends? I am not off message, because you can not talk about this one issue in a vacuum unless you want another grand fiasco like the healthcare mess for all. Universal this and universal that says we should melt into a one world government, and at this point does not bode well for issue like religious freedom, property rights, and a thriving market place that can thrive to address the true . needs of humanity. Can we please have a realistic discussion of the whole picture with some free market economists engaged in the argument about our problem of the ever expanding welfare state?
Emigration is certainly a right. Immigration, however, can and must be regulated by each country. The full text of CCC 2241 makes this clear:
“2241 The more prosperous nations are obliged, to the extent they are able, to welcome the foreigner in search of the security and the means of livelihood which he cannot find in his country of origin. Public authorities should see to it that the natural right is respected that places a guest under the protection of those who receive him.”
“Political authorities, for the sake of the common good for which they are responsible, may make the exercise of the right to immigrate subject to various juridical conditions, especially with regard to the immigrants’ duties toward their country of adoption. Immigrants are obliged to respect with gratitude the material and spiritual heritage of the country that receives them, to obey its laws and to assist in carrying civic burdens.”
The Church clearly recognizes that political authorities, in carrying out their responsibilities, may impose juridical conditions. You appear to be at odds with this. A country which does not police its borders ceases to exist. Their is neither equity nor justice in supporting the free and easy relocation of violent criminals, many of whom are here illegally.
Those of you who have swallowed this stuff so easily need to investigate all that LEAVING the U.S.A. entails. You might not want to enter because you can’t take your stuff with you.
USA penalizes people who leave severely
I agree in principle that everyone has a right to migrate, however, even though our rights come from God–an important principle of our founders–I would have to argue that governments have a right to REGULATE immigration. Regulation is NOT the same thing as denial.
The trendy mindset that we should just open our borders up is sheer insanity. What is even more insulting is the insinuations made by some that those of us against wholesale unregulated immigration are bigots. I cannot imagine a United States without a strong Hispanic culture or, for that matter a diverse immigrant culture. However, we can’t just open the floodgates. Our economy is already broken. The strain would be fatal.
Interesting impact of the Bishop’s view is that if people leave countries with tyranical governments, the right to immigrate becomes a mechanism to maintian the injustice in their homeland.
If people leave their home country to seek a better life, what motivation is there for them to fight for justice?
Uncontrolled immigration and the meddling of international non-profits simply bail out the tyrants and perpetuate the ongoing injustice.
If people simply stayed at home and worked on their own problems, instead of quick fixes, things would improve in the long run.
two problems. One: people whom were starving in India and Africa should have been helped to come ,by seting up relief organizations and government funding to get them here.
Thw second problem,is that with this immigration of spanish speaking people instead,the makeup is changing as was not seen with german and irish,and Italian immigration. Had it been so with say the Germans to the extent that is has (and still is with people from spanish speaking countries) the direction of the country (and protection of the hemisphere and involvement in Europe would have been much different)
To allow some immigrants in is one thing.To change the makeup is another. The United states would not have been protecting the western hemishpere for the past 200 years if it was instead the spanish or french that were the “founders.”
Could it be that the “new sodom” and finance mass murder of unborn children are making way for god’s sword?
No, it is not.
EMIGRATION is a natural right – when all else fails you have a God-given right to vote against a government or society with your feet and go somewhere else.
IMMIGRATION is subject to the laws and customs of the nation you wish to enter. If they don’t want you, you are not an immigrant but an invader.
And if you invade the USA you should be subject to expulsion with extreme prejudice.
Archbishop Gomez and Bishop Farrell fail to discuss how this natural right relates to international and national laws. Given that immigration is a natural right, can I just wonder into some other country to better my life or find refuge. Simply stating that immigration is a natural right without integrating it with a discussion how it relates to the enforcement and obedience to immigration laws is simplistic.
I don’t wish to add much, but I’d offer that everyone of us U.S. citizens claim right to this land that was forcibly taken away from its original human inhabitants. European settlers came and drew lines on the ground and said, “mine.” They conjured all sorts of justifications, including invoking Providence, God’s divine will.
We to often speak of rights with no reference to responsibility. For every presumed right there is at least one corresponding responsibility. Why? Because there is no human life that stands outside a whole series of relationships. And every relationship includes negotiating power. Power is neither good or bad; it is a fact. The question is “what are we going to do with power?” And none of likes what Jesus says about this. Share it. Share everything. (I even struggle to write it, but the good news is what it is.) Is migration a natural right? I don’t know. But life is. What’s the corresponding responsibility to the right to life? Share. Give. Even if it hurts.
The lines in the sand are social constructs, subject to change. They only serve us when they support our right to life and our responsibility to share. U.S. citizens have no more right to this land than Native Americans did hundreds of years ago. We should act with all the generosity we can muster, and then a good bit more, till it hurts a bit.