A great national discussion over immigration is heating up across our land. And that is part of the problem: There is often more heat than light in such discussions. As with many issues, Catholics on both sides are likely to reflect their political leanings more than their faith or the teaching of the Church.
The Catholic teaching on immigration, as stated in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, is straightforward and balanced: “The more prosperous nations are obliged, to the extent they are able, to welcome the foreigner in search of the security and the means of livelihood which he cannot find in his country of origin. Public authorities should see to it that the natural right is respected that places a guest under the protection of those who receive him. Political authorities, for the sake of the common good for which they are responsible, may make the exercise of the right to immigrate subject to various juridical conditions, especially with regard to the immigrants’ duties toward their country of adoption. 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” (No. 2241).
This teaching balances the natural right to immigrate with the common good. Prosperous nations such as ours are obliged, to the extent we can, to welcome foreigners and recognize that they have a natural right to immigrate. However, immigrants are to obey the law of the receiving country and respect its heritage. This surely includes the laws and “juridical conditions” assigned to the immigration process itself. This pertains to the common good.
Border disorder benefits no one
The common good includes both the citizens of the receiving country and immigrants. The chaos and disorder at our borders have caused great harm to everyone involved. State governments, city officials and local citizens are overwhelmed in trying to supply housing and basic human care for the vast numbers coming across the southern border. But immigrants too are afflicted with every sort of suffering, including human and sexual trafficking, exploitation, extortion, rape, robbery and endless other woes. Our disordered system opens them to this abuse. Good order and enforcement of legal norms benefit and protect everyone.
As Catholics, all of us should balance these norms as the catechism does. We should avoid being overly influenced by often incendiary comments on both sides, whether political officials or mainstream or social media. To be Catholic is to hold the balance as set forth.
A number of concerns arise in the current phase of our national conversation. Here are just a few.
The importance of discernment
First, the phrase “mass deportations” incites fear and anger in many. The Trump administration is currently limiting itself to the deportation of those known to have committed serious crimes while here. Most Americans support and understand this. They also understand the toll taken by fentanyl, which has come across our unsecured borders from drug cartels, gangs and other foreign criminal sources. But the phrase “mass deportations” implies a policy that is too broad and likely impossible to carry out in huge numbers. The term also implies little discernment on the particulars of each case.
Consider that not everyone is here illegally in the same way. Think especially of those who came during the past four years. The Biden administration practically summoned them. Programs that offered debit cards, free lodging and transportation to distant cities suggested the border was open, and policies such as “catch and release” signaled that laws were unenforced. Yes, technically they came here in violation of immigration laws and policies, but can we really say they flagrantly violated our laws in the way others have? It rightly frustrates many that policies were not enforced, but those who came in these four years cannot be said to be in flagrant violation of our laws. We should certainly take this into consideration.
Birthright citizenship
As for Trump’s executive order regarding birthright citizenship, there could be serious concern if this suppression were applied retroactively. However, the policy explicitly states: “This [executive order] shall apply only to persons who are born within the United States after 30 days from the date of this order” (Section 2, policy a). Even still, this order will face legal challenges, which the president acknowledges and welcomes. Already some federal judges have blocked the implementation of this order, and several states have already filed suit. Appeals will likely bring it to the Supreme Court sooner rather than later.
Of key importance is the wording of the 14th Amendment, which says, “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.” The Trump administration argues that the phrase “subject to the jurisdiction thereof” is ambiguous and needs clarification. The legal process will surely unfold.
Here, too, Catholics and our bishops rightly seek to be part of the conversation and may even wish to file legal briefs. Healthy contributions to a national discussion are the right of every Catholic. But this does not seem the time for angry or agitated denunciations as the process unfolds.
Immigration is necessary
Finally, we need legal immigrants. The average birth rate among women who are citizens is currently 1.66, well below the 2.2 needed to maintain the population. A growing population is essential for a growing economy. We cannot maintain the social “safety net” to which we are accustomed without plentiful children who will one day join the labor force and contribute to the needs of the old.
Immigration has helped protect us from the labor shortages and declining human resources experienced by many European countries and elsewhere. Vigorous numbers of immigrants are important for our future. They do not come here merely to consume resources. They also bring resources and participate in our economy as both consumers and as suppliers of labor and human initiative. We should keep in mind our need for immigrants to complete us and fill the gaps, as we always have.
Clearly there are serious concerns and problems related to illegal and disorderly immigration. Open borders and unenforced laws have seriously harmed the common good and well-being of both Americans and immigrants. In seeking to remedy the current morass, Catholics do well to hold the balance of the Church’s teaching: Generously welcoming the immigrants who come, but also insisting on immigration that is legal, orderly, just and in service of the common good.
