Immigration Reform

Immigrants are always coming to America to try to start a new life. America has always been a land of opportunity for all people. By turning away immigrants from Mexico, Central America and South America, we are hindering the possibility of this dream for many people. The Catholic Bishops note that it is extremely important to value all people including these immigrants. The Catholic Bishops stated five elements that they find necessary for immigrant reform. First, immigrants must have a fair and easily accessible path to American citizenship. Second, we must work to reunite as many families as possible. Third, we must initiate programs from low-skilled migrant workers to work and succeed in the United States. Next, due process must be available for all immigrants. Finally, we must work to uncover the root cause of immigration.

Many themes of Catholic Social Teaching reflect the Church's view on immigration. We must consider that immigrants deserve to be treated justly and as people just as all other Americans are treated. Immigrants can be legal or illegal but they must be treated with the same dignity that all other people receive. All people have rights and responsibilities. Some of these rights include economic rights such as the right to fair pay. Also, we are called to solidarity as humans. We are called to work together to help the immigrants gain the rights that they all truly deserve. We are also called to respect the life and dignity of the human person. This includes all people, especially those who need to be helped such as immigrants. Finally we are called to respect the dignity of work and the rights of workers. All immigrants deserve fair pay and suitable working conditions. As Catholics, we are called to ensure that all of these needs of immigrants are met.