Immigration policies: Justice should be tempered with mercy
Bishop Joseph N. Latino • Special to The Clarion-ledger • September 27, 2008
The issue of immigration continues to cause many challenges for our state and country. It is most unfortunate that mentioning this subject brings out the worst in some people. We must remember that human beings - not just abstract ideals - are involved in immigration.



Our country has laws and policies in place to regulate immigration. These laws and policies are difficult to enforce. Laws and policies can be cold and impersonal.

As people of faith we believe justice should always be tempered with mercy. Respect for human dignity and compassion for human life, especially the innocent lives caught in the middle, should always be at the forefront in the enforcement of laws and policies.

The recent use of raids by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE) in workplaces clearly demonstrates the need to develop a more just and humane system of enforcing our immigration laws and policy. The use of raids does not address the real causes of illegal immigration nor does the use of raids provide any just solution to the entire situation. The raids very much are an affront to basic human dignity and cause the separation of families - husbands from wives, parents from children.

The Catholic Church in no way supports or encourages illegal immigration. Illegal immigration does not benefit the common good of our society. Because undocumented immigrants are often paid lower wages than U.S. workers, illegal immigration can drive the cost of wages down for everyone. This increases poverty among more and more people in our country.

Pastorally speaking, illegal immigration also causes human beings to live a life lacking in dignity due to constant hiding, fear and abuse of basic human rights. Our Church's social service agencies, such as Catholic Charities, serve people from all walks of life. We do not ask for documentation because the Gospel of Jesus Christ teaches us to love our neighbors.

Under the current system, individuals are being exploited in poor working and living conditions and families are being separated. Respect for the sacredness of human life is what is at the heart of the Church's position on immigration.

The United States is built on a system of laws and principles. However, if a law or the means used to enforce that law violates human dignity and basic human rights, then it is not just. The current immigration enforcement policy is indeed unjust.

Yes, we should be concerned about laws being broken and our national security. Societies crumble when laws are ignored. We should also be concerned that the current system of using raids to enforce immigration laws eats away at the fabric of our nation and of humanity.

Our Church by her very nature is an immigrant church. Because of our experience throughout the life of our Church, we are compelled to work for reform and voice the need for an immigration enforcement policy that benefits the entire human community.

Let us remember to put a compassionate face on this situation - the face of Jesus Christ.

Bishop Joseph N. Latino leads the Catholic Diocese of Jackson.

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