In a historic vote on Wednesday, America’s Catholic bishops overwhelmingly condemned the Trump administration’s immigration policies, labeling them an affront to “God-given human dignity.” The nearly unanimous resolution, passed with a count of 216-5 and three abstentions, advocates for urgent reform in U.S. immigration laws and was met with applause from the assembled bishops, marking the first collective statement of its kind in twelve years.
In their statement, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops highlighted the myriad challenges faced by undocumented migrants, including the loss of legal status, poor conditions in detention centers, and the pervasive fear that prevents families from engaging in daily activities like attending school or church. The bishops declared it essential to voice their concerns in the current climate, stating, “We feel compelled now in this environment to raise our voices in defense of God-given human dignity.”
In response, the White House defended its policies, with spokeswoman Abigail Jackson asserting that President Trump remains committed to his promise of deporting criminal illegal aliens, a pledge that helped secure him a significant portion of the Catholic vote in the 2016 elections. However, support for Trump among U.S. Catholics is complex, as many Hispanic Catholics, who comprise a significant portion of the church’s demographic, leaned toward Democratic candidates such as Kamala Harris in the most recent elections.
This call to action follows a decisive escalation in enforcement measures, with the Trump administration reportedly deporting 400,000 individuals within the year and detaining approximately 60,000 more. Such actions have raised serious concerns among clergy, who have encountered obstacles in providing spiritual support to detained immigrants, including restrictions on administering Communion.
During the meeting, Chicago Archbishop Blase Cupich emphasized the importance of clearly opposing indiscriminate deportations to effectively convey solidarity with affected communities. He urged his fellow bishops to be vocal about their stance against these policies, pointing out that their message of support for immigrants must be unequivocal.
Bishop Oscar Cantú of San Jose expressed his hope for a stronger stance, noting that bishops carry a moral responsibility when confronted with injustices like the current deportation campaigns. He highlighted the need for a concerted effort within the church to emphasize the rights of immigrants as dictated by Catholic teaching.
The newly launched nationwide program, “You Are Not Alone,” is designed to empower Catholics to provide direct support to migrants. It centers on emergency aid, pastoral care, and the communication of Catholic doctrine regarding immigration, reinforcing that while nations have the right to regulate their borders, human dignity must always be upheld.
The bishops’ actions also reflect a broader shift within the Catholic Church, influenced by recent papal leadership that has prioritized discussions around poverty and migration. The election of Archbishop Paul Coakley as president and Bishop Daniel Flores, who is known for his advocacy for immigrants, as vice president signifies a potential pivot towards a more inclusive stance.
As leaders within the church addressed the plight of immigrants, El Paso Bishop Mark Seitz voiced his concerns about the ongoing state of fear faced by these communities, urging the bishops to go beyond statements of support and take substantial action.
The prioritized goals of the new initiative underscore a commitment to advocating for humane treatment of immigrants, making it clear that pledges to defend human dignity must be met with concrete efforts towards lasting reform. In a time of division, the bishops’ united front may serve as a beacon of hope for vulnerable populations navigating the complexities of immigration in the U.S.