St. Joseph Catholic Church

 

As our country continues to receive people who are seeking a better future for themselves and their families, we face the challenge of balancing the promotion of the common good, the government’s interest in regulating immigration and the aspirations of those who arrive seeking a better life here.  I believe most people would agree with several key premises. First, our government has the responsibility to secure our borders and keep the public safe. Second, the legitimate efforts of law enforcement to protect the safety of our communities deserves our support. Criminal behavior, whether committed by an immigrant or a longtime citizen, should be held accountable.    Third, at the same time, we are committed to promoting the dignity and rights of all people.

 

Comprehensive immigration reform is an important need in our nation. I hope that with encouragement from the public, civic and government leaders can create a process that will satisfy government concerns for the regulation of people arriving in the country without unnecessarily destabilizing individuals and families that have lived here, in many cases, for a period of years. I invite the Catholic community to join with me in learning more about the situation of migrants in America. I would also encourage people to consider contacting our elected officials and encourage them to consider different options that could help immigrants normalize their status. The issues we are facing are complex, yet if we stive to live the Gospel, treating all people with dignity and charity, I believe we can move forward on a path to a better life for all.  For full article, click HERE.