US Catholic bishops applaud judge’s immigration decision

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Comments: 31

Bishop John Wester, chairman of the U.S. Bishops Committee on Migration.

Washington D.C., Jul 29, 2010 / 12:31 pm (CNA).- The chairman of the U.S. Bishops Committee on Migration, Bishop John C. Wester joined the Catholic bishops of Arizona in lauding the recent decision of a federal judge to block parts of Arizona’s new law on immigration from going into effect.

On June 28, United States District Court Judge Susan Bolton stayed sections of Arizona’s SB 1070, a law designed to crack down on illegal immigration. Judge Bolton prevented law enforcement officers without warrants from arresting those suspected of being illegal immigrants. Her order also removed the mandate that immigrants carry their papers at all times and the requirement that law enforcement verify an immigrant’s status while enforcing other laws.

"It is the right decision,” Bishop Wester said of Bolton’s actions, adding that any law which gives legal grounds for profiling a person affects the entire community. Saying that the current status quo on immigration is “unacceptable,” the bishop declared that “what is needed now is for Congress and the Administration to live up to their responsibilities and address this issue by passing immigration reform."

The USCCB has long advocated for immigration reform, and believes that a comprehensive reform should include a program for migrant workers and their families to earn legal permanent residency and eventual citizenship, a new worker visa program that protects the rights of American and foreign workers, a reform of the family-based immigration system and restoring due process protections for immigrants.

The parts of Arizona’s new law which were not blocked by the judge go into effect today.

Comments: 31

Subscriber comments:

Published by: Enrique Woll
Lima, PERU 08/09/2010 01:01 AM EST

The spoils of war are never purchases. In war, blood is spilled on all sides, and it is of equal value. America includes North, Central and South America, and all people living in the countries in those regions are Americans. The United States of America is another matter, as is the United States of Mexico, and the United States of Brazil. I am aware that the United States of America purchased Louisiana from France, but I am not aware that any Mexican territory was purchased by the United States of America. But you could be right Cody. I would appreciate some bibliographical references in this respect. And Jim, I am not attacking America. God bless you both.

Published by: Jim
USA 08/05/2010 11:26 AM EST

Can someone WILL themselves to be Catholic or Ordained? No. There are ways one BECOMES Catholic thru RCIA etc and a man becomes a priest throught a PROCESS. I know the bishops would be mad if I started celebrating Mass and upset if non believers receive communion. Lets work on consistency. Dont attack America. Get on Mexico to make conditions better for their hard working, industrious people.

Published by: Cody
Tucson,AZ 08/05/2010 09:34 AM EST

Sorry Mr Woll from Peru but you don't know what you are talking about. The Mexicans defeated the Spaniards in the early 1800s. Just like today, the Mexican government of that time period could not control and civilize the northern portion of Mexico. The Mexicans encouraged Americans to populate the region which is now the American Southwest. The influx of Americans into the region eventually led to the Mexican/American War. As the eventual winner, the Americans signed a treaty with the Mexicans, borders were set and the United States PURCHASED WITH MILLIONS OF $$$$s the new territory. It was NOT confiscated as you say, it was purchased with American BLOOD and MONEY! Finally the vast majority of Americans are NATIVES and were definitely born in America, look up the word in a dictionary.

Published by: Enrique Woll
Lima, PERU 08/03/2010 03:58 PM EST

Immigration reform law must consider that if illegal immigrants are flooding the country, it is because the country demands that they do. They are needed. Much as in the case of connected vessels, water will flow from high to low, till the level is one and the same at all ends. This means that immigration cannot be stemmed without violence, of one kind or another, whether physical or psychological, and certainly with adverse economic consequences to all. That is, both to pre-existing immigrants, such as the English, the French, the Spanish, and the Italian to name a few, and to the newer immigrants such as the Latins and in particular the Mexicans. The only "non-immigrants" in the USA are the Indians who are mostly, and shamefully, in reservations. The Mexican Indians were defeated in the Mexico-US war in the mid 19th century, and their territories simply confiscated. The Mexicans that cross the border illegally, are essentially coming home. No lasting peace or true economic prosperity can be had in a nation of first class residents, or citizens, and second class residents, or immigrants: their rights must be identical. Immigrants have to be actively welcomed and employed in the most mutually advantageous manner, in a context of fair and reasonable law. Legislate wisely, then.

Published by: Raul Baquero
Sanford, Fl. USA 08/01/2010 09:52 PM EST

Americans overwelming LOVE IMMIGRANTS but NOT ILLEGAL immigrants !! IF our Bishops side with the ILLEGALS then as CATHOLICS we have no other choice to side with them BUT, the U.S. Bishops and our whole US Church MUST PAY !! for all their needs, education, health, food etc NO the U.S. TAX PAYERS !!!! .

Published by: Raul Baquero
Sanford, Fl. USA 08/01/2010 09:33 PM EST

The U.S. Border with Mexico MUST be SEAL/SECURE ASAP, now !!!

Published by: D. J. COOK
MADISON/AL 08/01/2010 10:12 AM EST

Basic catholic teaching: THE END DOES NOT JUSTIFY THE MEANS. Breaking a law to find work is wrong. Does the church justify prostitution or bank robbery so an individual can feed and clothe their family? I don't think so! What is missing and is the great BIG elephant in the room, is, why isn't the church going after Mexico to develop their economy in to a free market Capitalist system so that Mexican citizens can prosper from their obvious work ethic and find work at home? Mexico has the resources but they have only two classes of any strength the wealthy and the poor and the wealthy own the government. Mmmm, I think I see a familiar scheme here. But if we become Mexico where will the illegals go for work? Our bishops mean well but I hope they lack understanding rather than be willing participants in undermining the free market culture of the US. By the way, the Vatican, the Holy See, has some 440 acres of land. How many illegals are living in the Holy See?

Published by: Anne
USA 07/31/2010 11:20 AM EST

In addition to my previous email - the way to hold Bishops feet to the fire if they deviate from the "Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition" is to send emails to the USCCB with copies to the Vatican and the Bishop of your Diocese. Be respectful but strong and point to the paragragh that is being over-looked by any Bishops. No Bishop can state they support the right of the Government to have immigration laws - if they do not support enforcement of those laws. The Faithful must take back our Church from those who twist and deviate from the true teachings of the Church.

Published by: Anne
USA 07/31/2010 10:57 AM EST

William, do not leave your faith due to the action of some Bishops. Read the Catechism of the Catholic Church in its entirety. Take nothing out of context - then hold the Bishop's feet to the fire for violations of the CCC if appropriate. The CCC also states that governments have the right to make immigration laws, and that immigrants must obey the law. Fight for your Faith. Do not give up.

Published by: Cody
Tucson,AZ 07/31/2010 09:16 AM EST

Bishop Kicanas of Tucson several times attacked the people going to health care townhalls last summer for allegedly not being civil. The Bishop has repeatedly attacked SB1070, worked with his Democrat political operatives against the bill and advocated resistance. Yesterday Bishop Kicanas's anti-SB1070 allies committed a domestic act of terror on I-19, dressed up as Border Patrol agents with pig noses, walked on American flags and dragged them under their feet, and other acts of defiance, all within a couple blocks of the Bishop's office. I assume that the Bishop will be shortly releasing a statement condemning these atrocities committed by his comrades. Should I hold my breath?

Published by: Francis Xavier T
Washington, D.C. 07/30/2010 09:27 PM EST

Where there is a demand, there will be a supply. So many Americans in this country have been using hiring the cheap labor by these poor undocumented immigrants. None of you propose the law makers to put these illegal employers in prison with severe term of punishment. Yet, most of you who claims to be main stream Catholic support a law to persecute these poor folks. Please let me remind you the Supreme Court ruling in Dredd Scott's case. 7 out of 9 U.S. Supreme Court Justices ruled that Blacks are slaves, Blacks are property and can be sold, Blacks do not have the right to vote. That is your law isn't it?

Published by: Clarenced
California 07/30/2010 06:38 PM EST

I thought the USCCB was against relativism. They complain (correctly) about redefining abortion as women's health, same-sex marriage as "marriage", etc. They seem, however, blind to the dangers of redefining reality in the immigration debate: illegal doesn't apply to immigrants; all law enforcers are poised to abuse minorities; when anyone wants to violate long standing law society is powerless or "compassionless" to make moves to enforce law; that a sloppy, PC legal analysis by a judge is OK as long as it agrees with our opinion of law (which is how we got legalized abortion); etc. etc. Be careful what you wish for USCCB. The Church ends up with lots of martyers when government powers are applauded for such trickery.

Published by: Juan
Indianapolis,IN 07/30/2010 03:21 PM EST

For 50 years this political football has been kicked around.If the Federal govt wont do the job-then bless the Gov of Arizona for stepping up. Social justice is a social injustice!The real injustice is the immigrants that have legally waited!Cheap labor no taxes no benefits and no records! Viva USA

Published by: Richard
Pioneer, CA, USA 07/30/2010 02:27 PM EST

I have posed the following question on every Catholic web site I go to: "The people of Mexico sneak into the US because the Mexican Government and Social System is corrupt. What SPECIFICALLY is the Church in Mexico doing to reform their country's economy so people will not want to leave?" It will probably not surprise anyone that I never get an answer.

Published by: stilbelieve
Fountain Valley, CA ,USA 07/30/2010 02:07 PM EST

"It is the right decision,” Bishop Wester said of Bolton’s actions, adding that any law which gives legal grounds for profiling a person affects the entire community. Bishop Wester, if the police cannot ask a person, stopped for a suspected violation of a law, evidence of their legal residency based on factors they were trained to look for in order to ask such a question, then how can a U.S. employer be fined for employing an illegal worker if he does not ask the individual for the same papers?

Published by: wm
us 07/30/2010 02:06 PM EST

Francis Xavier T: Jesus consistently followed his own teaching in forgiving a spiritually poor and repentant sinner who plead for mercy instead of trying to slip over the border of Heaven by some surreptitious means (such as strict observance of Jewish law, relativism, etc.), as he warned against in John 10:1: "Truly, truly, I say to you, He that enters not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber." Our Lord also taught the wedding feast parable in Matt.22:1-14 ending with: "For many are invited, but few are chosen." Clearly, strangers are indeed welcome, but only when they meet the established conditions for entry. Our Lord put "welcome the stranger" in its proper context about which strangers are welcome and which aren't. I can learn from the Bishops or I can learn from Jesus. That's a no-brainer.

Published by: Patrick
Yuma 07/30/2010 01:09 PM EST

Interesting! Has our faith become 'Secular Humanest? Is 'Illegal' not against the very 10 Commandments? There is a border between Countries and to cross there are requirements. We moved to Canada some years ago and we were required to fill out papers and be approved. To live in Mexico the same holds true. Render unto Ceaser what is Ceasers and to God what is Gods. A Nation without laws is not a Nation. It is our choice to change our Nations Rules not a people who break our laws and two Commandments, Thou Shall Not Steal ... Thou Shall Not Couvet .. In Respect of Those Who live by both Gods law and those of our nation

Published by: Chris
PA 07/30/2010 12:39 PM EST

What don't the Bishops understand about legal vs ILLEGAL immigration? We're not against people coming into our country - but the process must be LEGAL, for the safety of all concerned.

Published by: J. Bob
Mpls,MN 07/30/2010 08:33 AM EST

It would appear many of the US Bishops do not bother to read up on the material they comment on. Reminds me of 30+ years ago when they were telling people how to run their businesses, while the abuse cases were going on under their noses. Francis, even countries in Jeremiah's time had border guards to control people coming in or out, of the country. Besides, who is oppressing the "resident (legal) alien"? I don't think your quote is applicable here.

Published by: Kenneth
KY 07/30/2010 05:54 AM EST

William Tallier, there is only one Christian faith. Any other faith is a faith that is not of Christ. Do not commit the great sin of Luther because you can't stand the sins of those who surround you.

Published by: Micah
Shreveport, La 07/30/2010 02:47 AM EST

We must have more faith ino ur biahops before judging them and even talking about abandoning our faith! To enter a country for legitimate reasons (such as work) is a human right. The bishops are not against regulation of immigration, but against certain types of regulation. No one should be penalized for not having proof of their identity on them at all times. Most people in favor of th AZ law are tea partiers and similar (so am I). Think of what you would say if the government demanded you to carry proof of your identity and status everywhere. It implies that the government owns you. If a reasonable, non-profiling cause arises in the process of investigating a crime for the police to ascertain the legal status of a suspect, that is legitimate, but to require proof on the spot and make it a separate crime not to have proof is the mark of a police state (the Nazis did it, too). Yes to immigration regulation, yes to secure borders, no to unjust means of acquiring those things.

Published by: Francis Xavier T
Washington, D.C. 07/29/2010 10:50 PM EST

Miss Kelli Swope, as a practicing Catholic, you should understand Lord Jesus has not followed any of the human rules. He healed the sicks on Sabbath Day seven times. Our Lord Jesus sent the criminal Dismas, who admitted that he deserved the capital punishment, who has never done a good thing in his life, who has no religious record of receiving water baptism or confirmation, straight into heaven. Not even prophets Moses, John, or the Saints Madeline, Mary are the subject of such promise of Paradise from Our God. What rule do you follow?

Published by: les
alpharetta,ga,usa 07/29/2010 08:59 PM EST

A note of encouragement to my fellow Catholics, and some advice for what it is worth. Get to shelter in a SSPX Church. These bishops are not Catholic. They are Marxists, Communists. Save your soul. Good Lord, what will it take for you to see what has happened at Vatican II. Believe me I know this is hard, but when you step foot in a SSPX Chapel, or Church, and attend Holy Mass, by a Holy Priest,,,,,,,you'll get on your knees and thank God almighty to be in the protection of our Blessed Virgin. Don't walk. Run. God Bless you all, you're in my prayers.

Published by: oldmomster
pennsylvania 07/29/2010 06:45 PM EST

So I guess bishop Wester wouldn't have a problem if I break a window in the rectory, sneak in, empty his wallet, trash his house, and steal the church's belongings. I went to Catholic school for 14 years. The nuns never taught this watered-down pablum. What has happened to the church and obeying laws? These people need to enter LEGALLY. What part of that doesn't the church understand. Does it need to be in LATIN?

Published by: Dan
Santa Fe 07/29/2010 05:56 PM EST

"Arizona is the nation's epicenter of illegal immigration, with more than 400,000 undocumented residents. The state's border with Mexico is awash with smugglers and drugs that funnel narcotics and immigrants throughout the U.S., and supporters of the new law say the influx of illegal migrants drains vast sums of money from hospitals, education and other services." I will be withholding money donations to my Church in proportion to my tax increase in 2011 given the US Catholic stance on this and their disappearance on life issues like Abortion. Jesus is in control---our Church in America is having its candlestick removed.

Published by: Nicholas Beck
Savage, MD 07/29/2010 05:36 PM EST

If Bishop Wester thinks SB1070 allows racial profiling, then he *clearly* hasn't bothered to read the law. SB1070 specifically prohibits racial profiling.

Published by: Kelli Swope
Frisco, Texas 07/29/2010 04:46 PM EST

As a practicing Catholic I am finding it more and more difficult to understand the leadership of my church. There are rules and people must abide by them, true? Maybe you ought to be more concerned over your leadership and why masses are leaving? Disappointed, extremely.

Published by: William Tallier
US 07/29/2010 04:45 PM EST

The social justice wing of the Catholic church is pushing me into another Christian faith, which one I do not know.

Published by: John
Durham, NC, USA 07/29/2010 02:58 PM EST

It is hard for me to understand how the Bishops can say, on one hand that it is acceptable for countries to control their borders, and on the other hand denounce the enforcement of that control. This is not about profiling or immigration -- don't fall for the rhetoric. I'm all for free immigration by honest people looking for a better life. Unfortunately, in a welfare state like ours, it will only lead to forced redistribution of wealth, which is not moral either. We need to fix the welfare culture before we can fix immigration properly.

Published by: Augustine
Austin, TX 07/29/2010 02:10 PM EST

As an immigrant, federal law already requires me to carry my "papers". I've been stopped as far as 200mls inland at INS check points for my "papers". I've even known an acquaintance who was held for many hours because his didn't have his "papers" on him until a lawyer from our company would fax an affidavit. This AZ law does nothing else that federal law already does.

Published by: Francis Xavier T
Washington, D.C. 07/29/2010 01:43 PM EST

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, May I please suggest you to Jeremiah chapter 7: "If you no longer oppress the resident alien, the orphan, and the widow; if you no longer shed innocent blood in this place, or follow strange gods to your own harm, will I remain with you in this place, in the land which I gave your fathers long ago and forever". May God bless you....

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