Catholics and Immigration?

Question

Why do some Catholics support illegal immigration when the church's social teaching disagrees with this position?

Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 2241
"Political authorities, for the sake of the common good for which they are responsible, may make the exercise of the right to immigrate subject to various juridical conditions, especially with regard to the immigrants' duties toward their country of adoption. Immigrants are obliged to respect with gratitude the material and spiritual heritage of the country that receives them, to obey its laws and to assist in carrying civic burdens."

Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 2429
"Everyone has the right of economic initiative; everyone should make legitimate use of his talents to contribute to the abundance that will benefit all and to harvest the just fruits of his labor. He should seek to observe regulations issued by legitimate authority for the sake of the common good

Answer 1

I have no problem with immigrants, however, those immigrating to our country or any country should do so legally. I feel this is for their safety as well as our's. How humane is it that people die everyday trying to get to our country the wrong way?

We should welcome all with open arms, but in a healthy, productive manner.

Answer 2

good point - the church doesn't support illegal immigration.

I personally like the fact that there are illegal immigrants because they are catholic. I admit it.

I don't support illegal immigration, though, because that makes their lives miserable. Every moment they could be deported for the rest of their lives. I just heard of someone who'se fiance will be deported to Honduras in three weeks.

What America needs is a policy that lets a large number of workers in legally, in a synbiotic relationship. Allow them an option to return, or stay if they have behaved.

This is what Europe is trying to do with African migrants, to set up employment offices in African countries to recruit workers legally, allow them to develop skills in Europe and perhaps build some wealth, and later return to their home country with capital. This is what every migrant wants - to go back to their homeland one day to maintain connection.

Answer 3

The Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 2240-2242 also teaches:

Christians reside in their own nations, but as resident aliens. They participate in all things as citizens and endure all things as foreigners. They obey the established laws and their way of life surpasses the laws.

The citizen is obliged in conscience not to follow the directives of civil authorities when they are contrary to the demands of the moral order, to the fundamental rights of persons or the teachings of the Gospel.

We must obey God rather than men. (Acts 5:29)

Created in the image of the one God and equally endowed with rational souls, all men have the same nature and the same origin. Redeemed by the sacrifice of Christ, all are called to participate in the same divine beatitude: all therefore enjoy an equal dignity.

The Catholic Church supports human rights and humane immigration law, not crime.

You shall not oppress an alien; you well know how it feels to be an alien, since you were once aliens yourselves in the land of Egypt. (Exodus 23:9)

The émigré Holy Family of Nazareth, fleeing into Egypt, is the archetype of every refugee family. Jesus, Mary and Joseph, living in exile in Egypt to escape the fury of an evil king, are, for all times and all places, the models and protectors of every migrant, alien and refugee of whatever kind who, whether compelled by fear of persecution or by want, is forced to leave his native land, his beloved parents and relatives, his close friends, and to seek a foreign soil. (Exsul Familia, Pope Pius XII, 1952)

"Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!" (The Statue of Liberty)

The earth, this country, everything we have are gifts from God, which we are called to share with our brothers and sisters in Christ.

With love in Christ.

Answer 4

Because so many illegal immigrants are Catholic, of course. Do you think they want to give up those kinds of numbers?


VLR

Answer 5

Because most Mexican illegal or not are Catholics more Catholics more money. The dollar is more than the peso even in the eyes of the pope!

Answer 6

We in this secular country of ours have executed in the wound over 50,000,000 children. Now these immigrants weather illegal or otherwise are needed to keep the social security system running. Neither Democrat or Republican are in fact interested in stopping them. All these thinking Christians who advocate for them, help them, aid them, welcome them, do not see statistics. They see human beings who need help. the littlest of our brothers. I am glad they are coming. Now the tragic thing is that many of them adopt our secular ways in one or two generations.

Answer 7

the catholic church is for illegal immigranst the same way politicians are for any position that would get them votes. They need believers and who do you think fills up the pews?

Answer 8

Because they care more about people than they do about some words on a piece of paper.

Answer 9

They don't actually read the rules of the religion..

Answer 10

God has no borders