Illinois bishops call for immigration reform, urge support for families

January 10, 2012

The bishops of Illinois have called upon Catholics to “provide hope and support to immigrant families and to advocate for comprehensive reform of our nation’s immigration laws.”

“The fact that there are 11 million men, women and children in our nation who live in the shadows and are fearful of family separation by deportation is proof that our current system is flawed and our immigration policies have failed us,” the bishops said in a statement for National Migration Week. “Let us pray that in this New Year we may recognize the need for comprehensive immigration reform that respects the rule of law, yet also ensures that the law is applied fairly and compassionately to those immigrant families among us who need our help.”

“Like the journey of the Magi following the star to the Source of hope, love and freedom found in the Holy Child lying in the Bethlehem manger, many families are also on a journey seeking hope in a new country,” the bishops added. “They seek a place of economic, emotional, physical and spiritual security, longing for those things needed to live in human dignity: productive work and fair wages, food, shelter, education, health care, and protection from harm, all too often out of reach in their native land.”

 

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Further information:

• 2012 National Migration Week statement (Catholic Conference of Illinois)
• National Migration Week (USCCB)