Washington D.C., May 18, 2007 / 09:29 am
The U.S. bishops have pledged to work with lawmakers to bring about federal immigration law that will “protect the basic human rights and dignity of persons and serve the national interest.” They are also calling on Catholics to pray for immigrants and those who are advocating for just immigration policy.
The bishops issued this message as the Senate announced a compromise immigration proposal. They expressed “significant reservations” about the compromise immigration proposal, but said it is important that the legislative process move forward, so that improvements can be made to legislation.
“Specifically, Congress should ensure that any final legislation contains a legalization program which is workable and includes family unity and a fair and realistic path to citizenship, a new worker program which provides participants a meaningful opportunity to obtain permanent residency, and the preservation of family unity as an integral part of the U.S. immigration system,” wrote Bishop Gerald Barnes in a statement. “We intend to pursue changes in these important areas.”