At the same time, U.S. immigration laws and policies have become increasingly restrictive and even harmful to some immigrants and asylum seekers. Between 8 and 10 million people in the U.S. live on the margins of our society for lack of proper immigration documentation. U.S. residents who want to reunite with close family members must often wait 10, 15, and even more years before visas for their relatives become available. Border enforcement strategies employed along our southern border have resulted in thousands of deaths. And, asylum seekers who flee persecution in their home countries and look for safe haven in the U.S., instead find themselves detained as criminals for lengthy periods.

The bishops believe U.S. immigration policy should protect the human rights and dignity of newcomers, as well as provide legal and secure means of entry for prospective immigrants and asylum seekers. The bishops also acknowledge with concern a growing public sentiment that has led to these more restrictive immigration laws and policies.

The bishops have called for broad reforms of U.S. immigration laws and policy. In a landmark pastoral letter, Strangers No Longer: Together on the Journey of Hope, issued in January 2003, the U.S. and Mexican bishops outlined the elements of necessary reforms. These included legalization for the undocumented who have built equities in our country; expanded opportunities for legal entry for work and to reunite with family members; establishment of an appropriate and more responsible temporary workers program; and the re-establishment of due process rights and other safeguards.

Additionally, the bishops recognize that the conditions that compel people to leave their homes out of desperation and lack of opportunities to provide for themselves and their families, must be addressed if an effective and comprehensive response to migration is to be achieved. Therefore, the Catholic Campaign for Immigration Reform will work close with the Catholic Campaign Against Global Poverty, initiated by the USCCB Office of International Justice and Peace and Catholic Relief Services. That Campaign aims to reduce poverty through trade, aid and debt reforms. The Immigration Reform and Global Poverty campaigns are integrally related in that one addresses the rights and needs of migrants in the U.S., while the other addresses the rights and needs of persons living in their native countries.

A number of Catholic organizations with national networks have decided to form a national campaign designed to unite and mobilize a growing network of broad legalization program and comprehensive immigration reform. Its goal will be to maximize the Church’s influence on this issue, consistent with the immigration reform principles enunciated in the bishops’ pastoral letter.

Initial participating organizations include the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), in particular, Migration and refugee Services, the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, Domestic Social Development, International Justice and Peace, and the Hispanic Affairs Secretariat; the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC); the Catholic Health Association (CHA); Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA); Catholic Relief Services (CRS); National Catholic Association of Diocesan Directors for Hispanic Ministry (NCADDHM); the National Council of Catholic Women (NCCW); the National Catholic Education Association (NCEA); the U.S. Jesuit Conference; the Leadership Conference of Women Religious; the Conference of Major Superiors of Men; the National Association of State Catholic Conference Directors (NASCCD); the Catholic Migrant Farmworker Network; the Irish Apostolate, USA; and the Roundtable Association of Diocesan Social Action Directors. These organizations will enlist a growing number of institutions and individuals, within and outside their traditional networks, who will commit to engaging in education and advocacy in support of the Campaign.

The Campaign will have four primary objectives: (1) to educate the public, especially the Catholic community, including Catholic public officials, about Church teaching on migration and immigrants; (2) to create political will for positive immigration reform; (3) to enact legislative and administrative reforms based on the principles articulated by the bishops; and (4) to organize Catholic networks to assist qualified immigrants obtain the benefits of the reforms. It is anticipated that a multi-year campaign will be necessary to achieve these objectives.

Some of the specific activities to be pursued include the following:

• Developing and mobilizing grassroots networks, including broad coalitions, at the diocesan, parish, and community levels to engage in public education and advocacy;
• Media outreach;
• Pursuing legislative strategies;
• Development of an interactive website and various education and advocacy materials.

Funding to support this Campaign is being sought from the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, other participating organizations, and foundations.

The active support and participation of the bishops will be crucial to the success of the Campaign. The Campaign aims to reach beyond the networks of the participating national agencies, and to enlist the support of Catholic individuals and institutions in dioceses throughout the country. For more information contact Adrienne Curry at the Office for Peace and Justice 312/751-8367 or acurry@archchicago.org.