US bishops concerned by Supreme Court ruling on Arizona immigration law
June 26, 2012
The chairman of the US bishops’ committee on immigration has said that he is “encouraged” by a Supreme Court decision on Arizona’s strict immigration law, but remains concerned about a key provision that the High Court upheld.
Although the Supreme Court struck down several provisions of the Arizona law, saying that they intruded upon federal authority to enforce immigration law, the justices voted unanimously not to overturn a provision that requires state police to check the legal status of those who are arrested on criminal charges if there is “reasonable suspicion” that they may not be legal residents. Archbishop José Gomez of Los Angeles said that the US bishops are “concerned” about that policy.
“The US Catholic bishops across the nation will urge their state governments to not pursue laws such as in Arizona,” the archbishop said.
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Posted by: mgreen32234 -
Jun. 27, 2012 11:23 AM ET USA
What do you suppose the bishops will say if Obamacare is thrown out? What a shame? Oh the humanity? Oh the suffering caused by SCOTUS?
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Posted by: chasann113163 -
Jun. 27, 2012 8:22 AM ET USA
Our Bishops need to rethink this issue. Our laws need to be upheld. Illegal people are not citizens of this country, call then undocumented if you like, but they are still not citizens. It is a slap in the face of all those who are trying to come here legally. Two wrongs do not make anything right.
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Posted by: lauriem5377 -
Jun. 26, 2012 8:55 PM ET USA
My husband's grandfather came here as an immigrant and became an American citizen. He was a profoundly religious man and had such deep respect for the laws of this nation. His path to immigration and citizenship weren't easy, but he persevered and is our role model for immigration. What do we say to the hundreds of thousands of law abiding people around the world seeking to come here who have made application and are following the rules and are in line waiting their turn to come here?
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Posted by: RamseyDonald2557 -
Jun. 26, 2012 8:00 PM ET USA
Unlike with contraceptives and other clearly-wrong moral/political issues, there is among American Catholics a serious and legitimate disconnect with our bishops over this issue. We welcome lawfully documented immigrants - and want them by the millions - from Hispanic Countries. What I don't understand is why our Bishops are encouraging rankly illegal behavior and urging the government to ignore and abolish laws intended to prevent violent thugs coming across our borders? What gives???
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Posted by: Kathie -
Jun. 26, 2012 7:32 PM ET USA
I agree with the first comment. Many of our Catholic Bishops have been seduced by the progressives regarding "social justice". Are we not a country of laws? Would I not be with sin if I disobeyd Church Law? Why is it OK with the Bishops for people to disregard civil law?
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Posted by: DrJazz -
Jun. 26, 2012 4:14 PM ET USA
In a normal society, there would be no reason for the bishops to be concerned about this. If I am arrested, and the state police believe I may not be a legal resident of the US, they are required to check whether I am so. If I am a legal resident, my charges proceed as the law dictates. If not . . . well, I believe that is where the bishops' actual "concern" kicks in. If we're not going to enforce immigration laws, why have any? Just invite everyone in and let the anarchy begin now!
