Welcoming the Stranger Amid the Politics of Immigration

This is an exceptionally challenging and uncertain time for immigrants, including those residing legally in the United States. Following a series of executive orders signed by President Trump, I want to respond and express my concerns about recent changes in immigration enforcement. Let me start by saying that I and my brother bishops across the country acknowledge the government’s responsibility to secure borders and maintain public safety. However, there must also be humane and just enforcement policies that uphold the dignity of all people made in the image of Christ.

Last Friday, I issued a statement on immigration and I want to share it here if you have not had a chance to read it:

“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you
gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me” (Mt 25:35)

A foundational teaching of our Catholic faith makes clear that every person from conception to natural death is made in the image and likeness of God and, as such, deserves to be treated with dignity. It is through this lens that we are called to reflect not only on our own actions but also on those of our society including our government.

In its first weeks, the new Administration in Washington, D.C. has prioritized immigration enforcement through new orders, and an emphasis on the need for mass deportations.

To be clear, our government has the responsibility to secure our borders and to keep its citizens safe. As Bishop Mark Sietz of El Paso, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Migration wrote last week, “Church teaching recognizes a country’s right and responsibility to promote public order, safety, and security through well-regulated borders and just limits on immigration.”

At the same time, as the Administration moves forward with immigration enforcement it is imperative that it proceeds in a humane way, with respect for the law, and with respect for the dignity of all concerned. As Christians, we must be committed to ensuring this. Again, to echo Bishop Sietz, “…we cannot abide injustice.”

In concluding his 1987 papal trip to the United States, Pope John Paul II said. “…America, your deepest identity and truest character as a nation is revealed in the position you take towards the human person.”

One new executive order authorizes immigration officials to enter schools, healthcare facilities, and churches to conduct arrests. This has caused much fear and anxiety in our communities among citizens and immigrants alike. Some understandably wonder if it is no longer safe to pray in our churches or send their children to our schools to learn. Churches are sacred places, long regarded as a safe refuge where anyone can go to seek God’s comfort and strength. It is my hope and prayer that the protection once afforded our churches, and other special places is not ripped away in the current climate.

Earlier this year, speaking of the need to balance migration governance with regard for human rights and dignity, Pope Francis said, “We are quick to forget we are dealing with people with names and faces.”

The Catholic Church in the U.S. has long welcomed newcomers and provided them with pastoral care and other assistance. I am grateful that this continues today in the Diocese of Fall River through our parishes, schools, ministries, and especially Catholic Charities’ immigration services.

I join many of my brother bishops who are calling for bipartisan, comprehensive, and effective immigration reform that reflects Gospel values. I invite our faithful and all people of goodwill to join me in praying for this. Please also remember the immigrants, refugees, and others among us in search of a safe place to call home, and our country, which has long been a beacon of hope and welcome.

Here in our Diocese, we have a proud history of serving immigrant populations through our parishes, schools and ministries, and I am pleased that this continues today.  Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Fall River maintains its longstanding commitment to welcoming and assisting immigrants to navigate the increasingly complex and confusing pathway to citizenship. 

For example, the Immigration Law Education and Advocacy Project (ILEAP) supports immigrants and refugees across Southeastern Massachusetts with low-cost, high-quality legal services and educational outreach. Since 1996, Catholic Charities has offered this program to assist individuals with several needs such as, green card applications, political asylum, DACA, deportation defense, and navigating legal pathways to citizenship. Workshops and trainings on immigration law and policy are offered to educate immigrants on the citizenship process and their rights.  

Another program our Catholic Charities Office offers to support immigrants is the Immigrant Victims Representation Project (IVRP). This program provides critical legal and support services to immigrant survivors of abuse, trafficking, and other crimes. Through education, legal advocacy, and collaboration with local service providers, IVRP helps vulnerable individuals find safety, healing, and a path to lawful immigration status. 

Make no mistake, our nation is in need of respectful and bipartisan immigration reform rooted in Gospel values. But we must always remember that these individuals are first human beings, like you and me. Please pray for just and humane policies and actions that balance governance with human dignity. 

Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini, patron saint of immigrants, pray for us.

Sincerely, 

Bishop da Cunha