Paragraph 2241 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church states that the more prosperous nations have the duty of welcoming the foreigner whom is in search of a sense of security and a better livelihood. Often times many of these foreigners have not been given the chance to succeed in their country of origin and therefore should be given equal opportunity to prosper in a wealthier country. It is the duty of public authorities to see that the immigrant's natural rights are respected and that he will be protected. Immigrants are obliged to respect with gratitude the material and spiritual heritage of the country that receives them, to obey its laws and to assist in carrying civic burdens. However, political authorities have the right to establish immigrant's duties to the country of their adoption. The Catechism of the Catholic Church establishes the understanding that countries have the duty of helping immigrants create better lives for themselves, while also maintaining the interests of the common good at a high level.
The Catholic Bishops of the United States and Mexico issued a letter calling for a transformation of the immigration system to better relate to Scripture and Catholic Social Teaching. They issued five reforms in an attempt to better the opportunities for immigrants. These reforms include: Global anti-poverty efforts, expanded opportunities to reunify families, Temporary Worker Program, Broad-based legalization, and Restoration of the due process. For an increase in global anti-poverty efforts, the Catholic Bishops suggest creating conditions such that immigrants do not have to leave their homelands in the first place. Trade, international economic aid,and debt relief are suggestions to help provide the basic necessities of life to many immigrants. The bishops also suggest reunifying families by reducing the period of time families must be separated and by creating more visas for the family reunificaiton process. The bishops call for a more rationale and humane system by which laborers from other countries can enter the country legally to fill positions in the labor force as a means of a temporary worker program. Also, the U.S. bishops suggest that a greater opportunity should be given to migrants whom demonstrate good behavior and good moral character. And finally, the United States Catholic Bishops suggest that the government not confuse immigration with terrorism and revisit the laws that only tarnish immigrants opportunities to succeed in certain countries.
On July 25, 1995 Pope John Paul II issued a message for World Migration Day concerning the Church and Illegal Immigration. In his message, Pope John Paul II recognizes the growing concern and problems associated with illegal immigration but strongly states that "Christ died to gather the dispersed Children of God ." He believes that the first way to help immigrants is to simply listen to their story and situation and provide them with the necessary means of substinence. When no solution can be found to accomodate the migrant, one should provide them with material assistance or help them seek acceptance into a different country. Pope John Paul II suggests the importance of forming a correct public opinion on the immigrants true situation, the tragedies they have faced, and the risk of them returning to their home countries. John Paul II gracefully and clearly states concerning the subject of immigrants that "Today the illegal migrant comes before us like that "stranger" in whom Jesus asks to be recognized. To welcome him and to show him solidarity is a duty of hospitality and fidelity to Christian identity itself."
Concerning illegal immigration, the Vatican is helping to pay for construction of a shelter for Central Americans traveling to the United States. Pope Benedict intends to discuss immigration issues with George Bush and really emphasize the amount of families being separated. Pope Benedict said, ""I have seen the breadth of this problem, above all the grave problem of the separation of families," meaning that the disunifying of families is simply unacceptable. Simply put, the church's mission is to provide assistance to people in need, and by refusing to help immigrants, the Catholic Church will be contradicting its mission.
http://www.cliniclegal.org/
http://www.vdare.com/fulford/catholic_bishops.htm
http://www.austindiocese.org/newsletter_article
Immigration from Faith Perspective- VIDEO
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