Bishop calls for immigration reform, again

As 2021 comes to an end, the chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Migration is reminding our elected leaders that immigration reform remains an important issue. In a statement issued this month, Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville, auxiliary bishop of Washington, noted that there is strong support among Americans for congressional action on immigration.

“While the road ahead is uncertain, the present reality remains clear: the status quo cannot stand. Almost half of the 11 million undocumented persons living in the United States today have lived here for at least 15 years. Many others are receiving temporary protections but lack access to permanent solutions. They are mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters. They are essential workers, homeowners, and entrepreneurs. Most importantly, they are persons created equally in God’s image, imbued with a potential far beyond the limits of their current immigration status.” 

He noted that the bishops have advocated for a bipartisan solution to the issue, calling for Congress to “promote the full integration of undocumented persons and to create a more sustainable immigration system, consistent with the common good.”
 
The entire statement is here.