NATIONAL MIGRATION WEEK BEGINS

National Migration Week: to raise awareness on the 11 million undocumented persons

Washington (Agenzia Fides) - The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the United States (USCCB) today begins National Migration Week with a campaign that calls for comprehensive immigration reform in order to be able to legalize 11 million undocumented immigrants.

 

"The National Migration Week is an opportunity for the Church to remember and reflect on the obligations related to Migration" said the Archbishop of Los Angeles, Archbishop Jose Gomez, President of the USCCB Committee on Migration. This year we celebrate the tenth anniversary of the common pastoral Letter, "We are Strangers no longer: Together on a journey of hope," issued by the USCCB and the Mexican Episcopal Conference in 2003. The note sent to Fides Agency says that with regards to the celebrations, the Department of migrants and refugees from the USCCB is planning to launch a postcard campaign that calls on Congress to pass fair and comprehensive immigration reform.

 

There are 5 requests:

 

     1)   Provide a path to citizenship for undocumented persons;

 

     2)   Preserve family unity as a conerstone of our national immigration system;

 

     3)   Provide legal paths for low-skilled immigrant workers to come and work in the United States;

 

     4)   restore due process protections to immigration enforcement policies;

 

     5)   address the root causes of migration caused by persecution and economic disparity.

 

National Migration Week began over a quarter of century ago, promoted by the bishops of the United States.  

 

 

 

GOOD NEWS FOR IMMIGRANTS

Homeland Security has announced an important change in the process whereby unauthorized immigrants who are immediate relatives of American citizens can apply for permanent residency.

Up to now, such immigrants would have to return to their country of origin and begin the process to obtain a valid visa.  However, this process often took months or even years, separating family members for long periods of time.  Immigrants from Mexico were required to go to Ciudad Juarez, across the border from El Paso, to begin the process.  However, Ciudad Juarez is one of the most violent cities in Mexico, and drug traffickers basically control the city.  There is hardly any police protection.

People waiting for visas would have to hide for months or years in great fear of their lives.  The uncertainty and physical threats and risks dissuaded immigrants from following the previous process, and forced people to remain without legal status because of these fears.

Not any more.

This new rule from Homeland Security reduces the amount of time unauthorized immigrants need to be separated from their American families while they seek legal status.  Under the new system, the immigrant completes the process here in the USA and is assured of getting the visa.  He or she then travels to their country of origin to pick up the visa which has already been approved at a U.S. Consulate.

Keeping families united has been one of the pillars of the Catholic Church's immigration policies.  This new process is humane and sensible, and it avoids uncertain and long periods of separation as family members must split up while seeking an uncertain future visa.

To qualify for the expedited visa process the unauthorized immigrant would need to demonstrate "extreme hardship" by following the earlier, lengthy and uncertain process.  For us disciples of Jesus, any uncertain separation between family members is seen as extreme hardship.  To separate a mother from her children, a father from his job and family, and children from a parent--all of these are human hardships.  And there is no need for such prolonged and uncertain separations.

It is sad that the gridlock and stalemate which has developed in Congress makes it virtually impossible to reach consensus on so many issues facing our nation.  Nonetheless, we in the Church continue to pursue all avenues to improve the dignity and lives of all immigrants living among us.  We will continue to work with the President and Congressional leaders to secure comprehensive immigration reform.

Jesus' Gospel imperative remains our inspiration and our focus:  "For I was a stranger, and you welcomed me!"  (Matthew 25:35)

20 LITTLE ANGELS, 6 BIG ANGELS

David Freedman, right, kneels with his son Zachary, 9,
as they visit a sidewalk memorial for the Sandy Hook Elementary
School shooting victims in Newtown, Conn. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

I can't help looking at the first and second graders I see with their parents.  In the past I noticed young children in a general way, but did not focus on them.

Until now.

The tragic murder of 20 first-graders and six adults last Friday has stunned us all, and has caused us to realize how young and innocent such children are.

Yesterday afternoon I was in downtown Los Angeles and saw the great movie, Lincoln.  The theater is part of the L.A. Live complex, and there were several thousand people walking around, some ice-skating on the annual rink, others shopping, and still others taking in the fabulous Christmas decorations.

Most of the people were families, and many with small children--and many first graders in the mix.  I noticed these young people like never before.  I even found myself counting them--I would count up to 20, say a prayer, and start counting again.  What a precious 20.

Several things struck me about these families and small children.  How small first graders really are.  How joyous their faces and their laughter.  Their innocence.  Their obvious longing for Christmas to come.  And the special way their parents were holding on to them--obviously in response to Friday's tragedy.

Several thoughts from the Bible came as well.  "Let us make man and woman in our image and likeness," God speaks in the book of Genesis.  "Let the small children come to me," Jesus tells us in the Gospels.  "Unless you become like a little child you cannot enter the kingdom of God," Jesus warns us. "See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father."

I doubt if my emotional and spiritual experiences being around first graders now is any different from yours.  We see them with fresh eyes; we love them ever more deeply; and we now scan their surroundings to make sure they are safe.  A new instinctive care and concern for young children is taking hold among us.  A work of the Holy Spirit.

May these 20 Little Angels, and the 6 Big Angels ask God to have mercy upon all of us, and to lead us forward with a new love and appreciation for such great gifts. 

OUR LADY of GUADALUPE--PATRONESS of the USA?

As once again we celebrate the joyous Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, is it not opportune to pray and reflect on the possibility that she be named a Special Patroness of the United States?

This suggestion in no way diminishes the importance of our primary Patroness here in our country, Our Lady under her title of the Immaculate Conception, celebrated each December 8^th. 

I was privileged to serve as one of the three President—Delegates of the Special Assembly for the Americas of the Synod of Bishops which took place in the Vatican from November 16 to December 12, 1997.  Those four weeks were inspiring and opened new opportunities to explore the remarkable role of Our Lady of Guadalupe across all of the Americas, especially as she relates to the poor and marginalized of our society.  The fact that she chose to be depicted as an indigenous Indian young woman speaks volumes about God’s love for the lowest and the least among us. 

That Special Assembly concluded with the celebration of a special Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and it was obvious that the enormous walls of that Basilica could not contain the love and devotion we all had for our Madre Morenita.  What makes Our Lady of Guadalupe so unique is that this is the only artistic portrayal of her ever given to us, her children!

 Devotion to her is not limited to those with their roots in Mexico.  She has become endeared to peoples all around the world and is celebrated in special ways in so many cultures and religious devotions.

 
The Fathers of the Special Assembly asked Pope John Paul II to name her as Patroness of the Americas.  Our Holy Father traveled to Mexico City and on January 22, 1999 at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, he solemnly proclaimed her Patroness of the Americas.

The depth and richness of our devotion to Mary, in my opinion, does not limit us to simply one expression of her many titles.  Why could we not proclaim Mary under two patronal titles:  the Immaculate Conception, and, Our Lady of Guadalupe?

As we in this country move forward with eagerness and enthusiasm to bring Jesus Christ to more of our brothers and sisters through the New Evangelization, what could be more appropriate than to link Jesus and his Mother to our overall efforts?

With our Catholic Church increasing daily with so many Hispanic members, how fitting it would be for them to witness that shared love we all have with them for Our Lady of Guadalupe!

¡Viva Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe!

 

IMMIGRATION REFORM: ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS

Presently members of both parties in Congress are discussing how to move forward with a comprehensive reform of our broken immigration system.  However, at this early moment in the debate neither party is offering the scope of reform that is essential for our immigrant brothers and sisters and for the country.

Please review the following items so that you will understand what is really needed in a comprehensive reform of our immigration laws.

CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING

The Catholic Catechism teaches that in the realm of immigration law all governments have two essential duties, both of which must be carried out and neither of which can be ignored.

The first duty is to welcome the foreigner out of charity and respect for the dignity and rights of the human person. Persons have the right to immigrate and thus government must accommodate this right to the greatest extent possible, consistent with its other obligations to the common good. The right to immigrate is a therefore a qualified, rather than an absolute right. Nevertheless, all nations and especially financially blessed nations are called to make every possible effort to assist persons who are compelled by their circumstances to migrate. As the Catechism states:

"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.” 1

The second duty of government is to secure its border and enforce immigration law for the sake of the common good, including the safety and well-being of the nation’s inhabitants and the rule of law. Sovereign nations thus have the right and the responsibility to enforce immigration laws and all persons must respect and obey the legitimate exercise of this authority. For their part, immigrants are called to obey the law and carry out their civic duties in furtherance of the common good. 2 According to the Catechism:

“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." 3

In January 2003, the U.S. Catholic Bishops emphasized and affirmed the Catechism’s teaching on immigration in a pastoral letter on migration entitled, “Strangers No Longer: Together on the Journey of Hope.” In their letter, the Bishops stressed that, “When persons cannot find employment in their country of origin to support themselves and their families, they have a right to find work elsewhere in order to survive. Sovereign nations should provide ways to accommodate this right4…More powerful economic nations…have a stronger obligation to accommodate migration flows.” 5

Furthermore, the Church has taught that both the sovereign nation and the immigrant should remain in solidarity by each actively seeking the common good. As Pope John Paul II stated in Solicitudo Rei Socialis:

“Those who are more influential, because they have a greater share of goods and common services, should feel responsible for the weaker and be ready to share with them all they possess. Those who are weaker, for their part, in the same spirit of solidarity should not adopt a purely passive attitude, or one that is destructive of the social fabric, but, while claiming their legitimate rights, should do what they can for the good of all.”6

U.S.A. BISHOPS' POSITION

The United States Catholic Bishops Conference (USCCB) believes that meaningful immigration reform must properly balance the right to migrate and the right to regulate migration. Thus, the USCCB opposes “enforcement only” immigration policies because they lack proper accommodation of the right to migrate. Instead, the USCCB supports “comprehensive” immigration policies that pare valid enforcement laws with fair and generous legalization measures. The U.S. Catholic Bishops have outlined various elements of their proposal for comprehensive immigration reform. The key elements of comprehensive reform advocated by the Bishops are:

Earned Legalization:       An earned legalization program with a path to citizenship would require unauthorized workers to work for several years, take English courses, and pay a fine in order to participate in the program. Such a program would help stabilize the workforce, promote family unity, and bring a large population “out of the shadows,” as members of their communities.

Enforcement:         The Bishops support the legitimate and important role of the United States government in enforcing immigration law at the border and in the interior. The Bishops also believe that by replacing illegal migration with legal migration, law enforcement will be better able to focus upon those who truly threaten public safety: drug and human traffickers, smugglers, and would-be terrorists. Any enforcement measures must be targeted, proportional, and humane.

Future Worker Program:         A worker program to permit foreign-born workers to enter the country safely and legally would help reduce illegal immigration and the loss of life in the American desert. Any program should include workplace protections, living wage levels, safeguards against the displacement of U.S. workers, and family unity.

Family-based immigration reform:         It currently takes years for family members to be reunited through the family-based legal immigration system. This leads to family breakdown and, in some cases, illegal immigration. Changes in the family-based immigration should be made to increase the number of family visas available and reduce family reunification waiting times.

Addressing Root Causes:         Congress should examine the root causes of migration, such as wage inequities and the lack of job opportunities in sending countries, and seek long-term solutions. The antidote to the problem of illegal immigration is sustainable economic development in sending countries. Ideally, migration should be driven by choice, not necessity.

Restoration of Due Process Rights:         Due process rights taken away by the 1996 Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act (IIRIRA) should be restored, particularly the use of judicial discretion in deportation proceedings.





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1 Catechism of the Catholic Church (2nd ed.). Washington, DC: Libreria Editrice Vaticana—United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2000, no. 2241.

2 Pope John Paul II took up this point on the duties of both the advantaged and disadvantaged in Solicitudo Rei Socialis: “Those who are more influential, because they have a greater share of goods and common services, should feel responsible for the weaker and be ready to share with them all they possess. Those who are weaker, for their part, in the same spirit of solidarity should not adopt a purely passive attitude, or one that is destructive of the social fabric, but, while claiming their legitimate rights, should do what they can for the good of all.” John Paul II, Encyclical letter, Solicitudo Rei Socialis, no. 39 (1987).

3 See fn. 1.

4 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Committee on Migration, “Strangers No Longer: Together on the Journey of Hope. A Pastoral Letter Concerning Migration from the Catholic Bishops of Mexico and the United States,” no. 35 (January 2003).

5 See fn. 3 at no. 36.

6 John Paul II, Encyclical letter, Solicitudo Rei Socialis, no. 39 (1987).

HOPE FOR 11,000,000 IMMIGRANTS

Our 11,000,000 undocumented immigrant brothers and sisters spread across the country have reason for new hope that their status in the shadows may finally give them a new future which leads to legal residency and to citizenship.  Thank God for this blessing!

Three post-election events give me great hope:

1.     Senator Charles E. Schumer (D--NY) and Senator Lindsey Graham (R--SC) have agreed to dust off their previous bipartisan plan for comprehensive immigration reform, and to begin discussions among other Senators to help broaden the debate and to move legislative initiatives forward.  This is a most helpful step forward since any immigration legislation will need to begin in the Senate and be adopted by that body before going to the House of Representatives.

2.     Emerging coalitions of Evangelical Churches and their pastors are pressing forward with their congregations on behalf of immigrants in our land, and are setting forth proposals which are very much in harmony with those promoted over the years by our Catholic Church.  I surely welcome these religious partners in helping to bring dignity, respect, and legal protection for all immigrants in our midst.  This is a new moment for comprehensive immigration reform, and we need to seize the moment with new vigor and determination.

3.     Even more conservative national radio and TV commentators are beginning to broaden their own thinking on the issue of how to deal with the 11,000,000 undocumented immigrants among us.  Sean Hannity is a good example of a shift in understanding and outlook.  He recently stated on his program that his position on immigration has "evolved," and that he sees the need to find a pathway to legal residency and even citizenship for this large group.  I would hope that other conservative groups would help change minds and hearts with their members, and join us to view our immigrants as a value and asset, not a threat.

We have arrived at a new moment in our struggle on behalf of the 11,000,000 unauthorized immigrants, and we need to use every means possible to help bring about a lasting and just resolution to their plight.

IMMIGRATION REFORM: JOB #1

Now that the Presidential election is over, now is the time to move forward at once with one major piece of unfinished Congressional business:  pass the DREAM Act so that 1.6 million of our young people can obtain legal status in the only country they have really known.

There was an attempt in December of 2010 to pass the DREAM Act, and while it passed the House of Representatives, it only got 55 votes in the Senate.  Sixty votes were needed to halt a filibuster against the DREAM Act.

President Obama:  on Election night you proclaimed once again your commitment for real immigration reform.  Now is the time to move that agenda forward.  Begin with our young men and women who are in college and who are serving in our military.  Your DACA [Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals] program is a small step in the right direction.  But it does not have the permanency nor the security of Federal legal residence status.

Some say that nothing effective can be accomplished during a Lame Duck session of Congress.  I don't believe that.  There is never a wrong time to accomplish good and positive legislation.

I urge everyone who is committed to bringing our immigrant brothers and sisters out from the shadows and from exploitation to email your Senators and House members--the ones who are serving  now, and implore them to help support the passage of the DREAM Act.

When the new Congress convenes in January of 2013, the President must offer them a comprehensive  immigration reform package, and take the leadership to get it passed.  A good place to start is to look to the McCain--Kennedy comprehensive plan of 2001--which enjoyed broad bipartisan support.

Leaving some 11 million people in our country in the shadows and in fear is a shameful and immoral situation.

As disciples of Jesus Christ, we are called to welcome the strangers in our midst, and in so doing, to discover the face of Jesus in each one of them.

May God's grace be abundant among us so that we will come to see our immigrants as a great value for our country, not as a threat.