July 1, 2018 - "Three Basic Principles of Catholic Social Teaching on Immigration"

I want to continue a reflection on the three basic principles of Catholic Social Teaching on immigration.  This is largely adapted on material found on the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) website:  www.usccb.org.  Today I want to discuss the second basic principle:  a country has a right to regulate its borders and to control immigration.
 
The second overriding principle of all Catholic social teaching is that individuals must make economic, political, and social decisions not out of short sided self-interest, but with a regard to the common good.  This means that a moral person cannot consider only what is good for his or her own self or family, but must act with the good of all people as his or her guiding principle.
 
While individuals have the right to move in search of a safe and humane life, no country is bound to accept all those who wish to resettle there.  By this principle the Church recognizes that most immigration is ultimately not something to celebrate.  Ordinarily, people do not leave the security of their own land and culture just to seek adventure in a new place or merely to enhance their standard of living.  Instead, they migrate because they are desperate and the opportunity for a safe and secure life does not exists in their own land.  Immigrants and refugees endure many hardships and often long for the homes they left behind.  As Americans we should cherish and celebrate the contributions of immigrants and their cultures; however, we should work to make it unnecessary for people to leave their own land.    
 
Because there seems to be no end to poverty, war, and misery in the world, developed nations will continue to experience pressure from many peoples who desire to settle in their lands.  Catholic social teaching is realistic:  While people have the right to move, no country has the duty to receive so many immigrants that its social and economic life are jeopardized.
 
For this reason Catholics should not view the work of the federal government and its immigration control as negative or evil.  Those who work to enforce our nation’s immigration laws often do so out of a sense of loyalty to the common good and compassion for poor people seeking a better life.  In an ideal world, there would be no need for immigration control.  The Church recognizes that this ideal world has not yet been achieved.
 
Some people have asked if I could recommend places where people can be informed with facts and not with uniformed opinions or rumors without any basis.  Here are some websites to check out for this:
 
· The Vatican’s Migrant and Refugee Office
· The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Office of Migration and Refugee Services
· Jesuit Refugee Service/International
· Jesuit Refugee Service/ USA
· The Kino Border Initiative

Finally, some people have asked about contributing to organizations that are currently helping migrants.  Here are some organizations that I could recommend for your consideration:
 
· Catholic Charities/USA
· Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley
· Kino Border Initiative (a Jesuit ministry)
· Catholic Legal Immigration Network (CLINIC).         
 
Until next week,
Fr. John