The dignity of migrants must be respected

By Rocio Granados - La Voz Catolica

MIAMI | Miami Archbishop Thomas Wenski said that the dignity of migrants, regardless of their immigration status, “must be respected because that dignity is not a gift from the state; it is something that God has given us.”

His statement follows Pope Leo XIV's declaration on Nov. 18 in Rome, condemning recent measures against migrants in the United States and calling for people to be treated “with humanity and dignity.”

“The Holy Father has made some strong statements in favor of the immigrants in this country, and he is on the same page with the U.S. bishops,” Archbishop Wenski said, noting that the bishops “historically have been very much in favor of just treatment and just solution to the problems that immigrants face today in the United States.”

In a the special pastoral message on immigration issued by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops on Nov. 13, the bishops oppose mass and indiscriminate deportations, express concern about the situation in the country, reaffirm that national security and the protection of human dignity are not incompatible, and pray “for an end to inhumane rhetoric and violence, whether directed against immigrants or law enforcement agencies.”

Pope Leo said that the pastoral message from the U.S. bishops is “a very important statement” and invited all Catholics and people of good will to read or listen to it.

Like Pope Leo, the U.S. bishops point out that “We don't believe in open borders, and countries have a right to control their borders and to determine who comes and who doesn't come. But at the same time, given the fact that our immigration system has been broken, and there have been people here who have been here for decades with no path to legal permanent residence, something has to be provided to them other than just mass deportation,” said the archbishop.

We must offer “legal paths for those who have not committed crimes, those who been here working hard, those who have contributed to American society, those who might have American children or American spouses,” the archbishop said.

“The majority of the people who are here in irregular status are not criminals. They are people who are simply trying to work hard to provide for themselves and their families with a future of hope,” he said.

The U.S. bishops “are always willing to talk,” Archbishop Wenski said. “The Church, I would welcome the opportunity to talk to President Donald Trump or anyone whom he would direct me to, to explain what the Church's position is and to encourage him that now that he has gotten control of the border and he is going after bad actors, it is time for him to pivot. The president is also very concerned that the economy of this nation be the best economy ever, and you're not going to do that without taking into account the labor force participation of the immigrants,” he said.

“It is time to look for other solutions in addition to mass deportation, solutions that will provide for people who have lived here and have not committed crimes, have not done anything wrong, to permit them to have the chance at the American dream,” he said.

The bishops “have always said that immigration reform should be comprehensive,” the archbishop said. He explained that the need for legal labor must be addressed with the possibility of temporary workers coming here. Immigration policy should unite families, not divide them. Generosity should be shown to those who need permanent resettlement because they cannot return to their countries due to political circumstances.

“Those are the reforms that we're pushing for,” said the archbishop.

THE “YOU ARE NOT ALONE” INITIATIVE

During the fall plenary assembly of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops on Nov. 11, the national initiative “You Are Not Alone” was launched in response to growing fear and instability caused by increased immigration enforcement measures and the threat of mass deportations, and to assure migrants and their families that the Church is with them, offering pastoral support and accompaniment during these difficult times.

The Archdiocese of Miami is participating in the initiative and also in the Cabrini Pledge, which is part of the initiative.

In the archdiocese, “we've pretty much shown that we stand with the migrant,” the archbishop said, noting that Catholic Legal Services of Miami works full-time to represent and provide legal assistance to migrants.

Miami “is a community that's been shaped by immigration. Most people understand the plight of newly arrived immigrants without permanent status. Many have been here for years and years and years without the possibility of adjusting their status,” Archbishop Wenski said.