The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), which represents the church’s moral and political views, seems to be at an impasse with the Trump Administration regarding issues of immigration.  The irreconcilable differences are rooted in The Catholic Social Teachings, specifically the dignity of personhood that calls us to look at illegal aliens and see, first and foremost, human beings.  The church teaches that countries, especially wealthier ones, should welcome immigrants to the extent that they are able while also regulating immigration standards according to the country’s partiality.  Our national standards shifted after the November election as President Trump gives promised attention to enforcement of current immigration laws.  Many of us hope that the ecclesial conference and executive team can find common ground that allows a path to citizenship for many undocumented people living in our country.

I and most of you reading this blog won the lottery when we were born in the USA while we realize those wanting to migrate here simply did not.  They seek a better existence for themselves and their families just as many of our ancestors did for us.  When my great grandparents migrated from Ireland to escape starvation and oppressive rule from the imperial government, the procedures for coming into our nation were different than now.  The USCCB wants America to act with an understanding that one’s immigration status or citizenship does not increase or decrease one’s human dignity, a dignity that is universal.  Yet it is true that some people (those of goodwill who are contributors to society) are more desirable than others (criminals and troublemakers).  It is personal for some of us because we have come to know many good people who lack proper documentation and see them not only as humans (rather than statistics) but as our brothers and sisters.

While U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents (ICE) employ a “worst first” deportation strategy, people are grateful that perpetrators of serious crime are being dealt with for their horrible acts—whether living here legally or illegally.  But at the heart of the issue is the hundreds of thousands of foreigners who migrated across our borders when government officials held lenient standards that did not enforce immigration laws.  It is encouraging to learn that some employers, like those in the farm industry, are working with federal leaders to help undocumented laborers of proven integrity find a path to become citizens without first returning to their country of origin.  I hope that this model can prove fruitful so that it spreads to help other hard workers and good citizens also find a legal path to citizenship.

The pontificate of Leo XIV looks to emphasize unity, collaboration, solidarity, and building upon common ground.  “Pontiff” means bridge builder, and Pope Leo seems dedicated to being just that.  It is my hope that Catholics will imitate his example and, rather than criticize government or spiritual leaders (which Americans tend to do), that we will support their efforts to do what’s right while working for the common good of all.  President Trump’s business style employs a methodology that starts with some far-reaching and often seemingly outlandish proposals—such as extreme tariffs—but he knows it’s just a starting point to reach a deal.  I pray that the deportation of undocumented foreigners living in our country which is expelling murderers, rapists, and other hardened criminals will also cause us to recognize the goodness of many wonderful people who are here and who, like my ancestors and many of yours, just want a better life.  I think that Catholics can play an important role in matters of immigration by remaining close to our teachings and by being bridge builders.