by The Most Reverend John J. Myers
Archbishop of Newark
Everyone reading this paper today has an immigrant relative. For some of us, the distance in time between today and that relative’s arrival to America is generations; for others, it is much more recent. And while most newcomers may have come here under “the system,” many have not. Yet, we are all here today, benefiting from the many graces that this country offers, because someone else dared to live in freedom and hope for prosperity – not only for themselves, but also for their children and grandchildren.
But something has definitely changed in the American immigrant experience – for the worse. It is increasingly clear to the broad cross-section of Americans that our current laws are outdated, ineffective, and in serious need of repair. We need to fix this system by adopting a well-thought-through, comprehensive approach. We must avoid narrow, enforcement-only proposals like the Border Protection, Anti-Terrorism and Illegal Immigration Control Act, which emerged from the U.S. House of Representatives last December, prompting hundreds of thousands of people to march in protest all over the country.
The Senate must act to craft common sense legislation that provides security and prosperity for America and is built on the principles of fairness and justice. Both Houses of Congress must responsibly address the dynamics of poverty and desperation that have compelled millions to come to our country just to survive and have caused thousands to die in the attempt. Congress must recognize that those who have crossed into our country without proper authorization have done so to find work that their children may eat. They have proven themselves to be assets to our communities and should be afforded a path to legal status. Additionally, Congress must create orderly processes and sufficient legal avenues for those whose labor is essential to our economy so that clandestine and deadly unauthorized border crossing will end. Finally, Congress must provide means for immigrant families to remain together and to become reunited, if they’re separated. This builds stability that is good for both migrants and for our communities.
The Border Protection, Anti-Terrorism and Illegal Immigration Control Act proposes to change undocumented presence from a civil violation to a criminal offense, instantly creating 11 million new felons, and clogging our courts. It is so broadly written that it could arguably be used to criminalize those who would assist them, including those providing basic humanitarian assistance that all of us are called to do, no matter our creed. I worry about this not just as a compassionate individual, but also as the spiritual leader of this local Church of Newark, which daily provides health care, social services, education and other forms of aid to thousands of people regardless of immigrant status. We have a moral obligation to care and serve those in need; we cannot turn our back on them.
The House bill authorizes state and local law enforcement agencies to enforce federal immigration laws. Those state and local governments that refuse to participate would be subject to the loss of federal funding. The measure would also require the detention of families and children, trafficking victims, and other vulnerable people such as those seeking asylum from governments whose persecution they are fleeing.
As the shepherd of the 1.3 million Catholics in the Archdiocese, who must by our creed “do unto the least of my brothers,” I must speak out against such extreme and harmful measures.
While there is legitimate debate as to what security measures are most effective, it is clear that during the very time the United States stepped up its border enforcement efforts, the undocumented immigrant population actually surged. This is because the avenues to legal immigration are inadequate and the demand for employment (and the number of jobs in this country in need of workers) is so high. Effective border enforcement must be coupled with expanded opportunities for safe entry and legalized status, with provisions for the protection of worker rights.
The
Senate Judiciary Committee recently introduced the bipartisan Comprehensive
Immigration Reform Act (CIRA) of 2006.
Unfortunately, debate on this bill and related amendments quickly
deteriorated. No positive action was
taken before the Senate recessed. I
encourage our elected representatives not to delay this matter any longer. I also encourage their commitment to ensure
that the integrity of CIRA does not erode, especially those sections dealing
with the temporary worker program, family reunification, and legalization. The bill must not become so amended that it
begins to resemble the Border Protection, Anti-Terrorism and Illegal
Immigration Control Act.
Every day, the Catholic bishops in this country experience first-hand in our parishes, social service agencies, hospitals and community outreach networks the pain that the present efforts at enforcement-only legislation cause to those seeking only a chance at a new and better life. We are committed, through an education and advocacy effort called Justice for Immigrants, to seek legislation that both protects the nation’s security needs and ensures the humane treatment and equal opportunity that newcomers deserve.
We
cannot effectively address the immigration issue if our two major political
parties are intent on using it solely to create political advantage. By demonstrating strong national leadership
and moral courage, the Senate, and subsequently the entire Congress, can chart
a course for the future that maintains our ideals as a nation of immigrants,
restores the rule of law, and protects the homeland.
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