Thread: U.S. Bishop Urges Senate to Reject Border Fence

http://www.zenit.org/english/visualizza.phtml?sid=95557

U.S. Bishop Urges Senate to Reject Border Fence

Says It Wouldn't Solve Problem of Illegal Immigration

WASHINGTON, D.C., SEPT. 27, 2006 (Zenit.org).- The chairman of the U.S. bishops' Committee on Migration urged all Senators to oppose the Secure Fence Act of 2006, and to enact comprehensive immigration reform legislation.

In a letter to the Senate on behalf of his committee, Bishop Gerald Barnes said the legislation could contribute to smuggling-related violence along the U.S.-Mexican border as well as lead to an increase in the number of migrant deaths.

The bishop's letter also said the legislation would not solve the problem of illegal immigration and would send the wrong signal to Mexico, a peaceful neighbor of the United States, and the world community.

The Secure Fence Act, or H.R. 6061, is likely to be considered by the Senate this week.

"We oppose H.R. 6061 because we believe it would not solve the problem of illegal immigration," Bishop Barnes wrote. "Indeed, we believe it would create more problems than it would solve."

The bishop of San Bernardino, California, said enactment of the measure could "drive those seeking to cross the border to take more remote and dangerous routes, resulting in more unnecessary and tragic migrant deaths in the American desert."

Rise in deaths

Bishop Barnes, 61, cited a recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report which chronicled an alarming rise in migrant deaths since a border crackdown by the government began over 10 years ago.

The prelate added that the bill could result in an increase in smuggling-related border violence.

Pointing to a rise in such violence in recent years, he said the U.S. bishops were "troubled" that the legislation "would cause smugglers to redouble their efforts to penetrate open portions of the border, leading to more violence against Border Patrol agents, local police enforcement, and community residents."

Bishop Barnes also expressed concern that the border fence contained in the measure would be viewed in this hemisphere and overseas as "a sign of fear, weakness, and isolation, not strength and engagement."

"It also would undercut our moral authority," he said, "to request other nations to accept war refugees, for example, or other vulnerable populations."

With all due respect, Fathers and Bishops, they are not supposed to be here without proper papers! What is it that the Catholic church doesn't understand? These illegals are breaking the U.S. Federal law by being here! I don't think it's in your teachings to break the law?? is it, Father?

The church needs to BUTT OUT! If they want the illegals let them pay for them! These churches are playing politics and should have their tax exempt status CANCELED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The church needs to BUTT OUT! If they want the illegals let them pay for them! These churches are playing politics and should have their tax exempt status CANCELED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AMEN TO THAT!!!!!!!!!!!

In a letter to the Senate on behalf of his committee, Bishop Gerald Barnes said the legislation could contribute to smuggling-related violence along the U.S.-Mexican border as well as lead to an increase in the number of migrant deaths.

Butt-out Bishop!!! What are we suppose to do, welcome everyone in the world who wants to come to our country regardless of legal documents?

Stick with your bible and build your congregation with someone other than illegals!! I'm tired of you do-gooders!! If the Mexicans, or whomever, die trying to cross our borders illegally, it is a risk they chose to take. I have no sympathy for them! So, again, Butt-out Bishop!

I wish I had his address to tell him how I feel directly!!!

Italy is concerned will illegal immigration in it's own country! Why don't I hear about the church yelling about it over in that country!

I also notice I hear no sympathy for American victims of illegals , the murders, rapes, gangs, drugs, pediphiles , wage depression, diseases, social cost ect... where is the outcry for the American people Bishop!


Build the fence!! Enforce our laws! Stop the insanity!!

I wish I had his address to tell him how I feel directly!!!

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops is located in Washington, D.C.

3211 Fourth Street, N.E.
Washington, D.C. 20017
(202) 541-3000

They don't list an email contact on their website.


There is an increasing trend with these pro-illegal groups to blame Americans and law enforcement for increasing violence at the border. They never acknowledge that it is the smugglers and drug cartels, condoned by Mexico, that are the ones responsible for that violence.

Originally Posted by legal4mykidsfuture

I wish I had his address to tell him how I feel directly!!!

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops is located in Washington, D.C.

3211 Fourth Street, N.E.
Washington, D.C. 20017
(202) 541-3000

They don't list an email contact on their website.


There is an increasing trend with these pro-illegal groups to blame Americans and law enforcement for increasing violence at the border. They never acknowledge that it is the smugglers and drug cartels, condoned by Mexico, that are the ones responsible for that violence.

Thanks! I will do it!

daggul's

With all due respect, Fathers and Bishops,

Welcome daggul !!

I admire your ability to address them like that in light of what they are doing. If you don't mind, I, as a Catholic would like to address them too.

YOU ARE A BUNCH OF LOW DOWN MORONS. TAKE EVERY RED PENNY YOU SPEND ON LAWYERS DEFENDING CHILD PREDATOR PRIESTS AND SEND IT TO MEXICO !!

GET THE HELL OUT OF AMERICAN GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS !!

Originally Posted by LegalUSCitizen

daggul's

With all due respect, Fathers and Bishops,

Welcome daggul !!

I admire your ability to address them like that in light of what they are doing. If you don't mind, I, as a Catholic would like to address them too.

YOU ARE A BUNCH OF LOW DOWN MORONS. TAKE EVERY RED PENNY YOU SPEND ON LAWYERS DEFENDING CHILD PREDATOR PRIESTS AND SEND IT TO MEXICO !!

GET THE HELL OUT OF AMERICAN GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS !!

WELL SAID!!