Dear Faithful:
There are many questions being raised and debates taking place on the topic of immigration as the new administration takes action to fulfill its campaign promise to secure the southern border and pursue “mass deportations.” We are feeling the impact of these actions within our own communities.
While the politics and policies that govern immigration law and enforcement can be complex, I would like to reinforce with you some guiding principles that were shared in a joint pastoral letter written more than 22 years ago by the bishops of the United States and Mexico. While more than two decades have passed since this letter was published, its principles are timeless and remain relevant today.
The title of this letter, Strangers no Longer: Together on the Journey of Hope, is quite fitting as we celebrate in 2025 the Jubilee Year of Hope.
The letter recognizes the rich tradition of Church teaching on migration and singles out five principles that emerge from such teachings that guide the Church’s view on migration issues:
Number 1: Persons have the right to find opportunities in their homeland. All persons have the right to find in their own countries the economic, political, and social opportunities to live in dignity and achieve a full life by using their God-given gifts. In this context, work that provides a just, living wage is a basic human need.
Number 2: Persons have the right to migrate to support themselves and their families. The Church recognizes that all the goods of the earth belong to all people. When persons cannot find employment in their country of origin to support themselves and their families, they have a right to find work elsewhere to survive. Sovereign nations should provide ways to accommodate this right.
Number 3: Sovereign nations have the right to control their borders. The Church recognizes the right and obligation of sovereign nations to control their borders. More powerful economic nations like the United States, have a stronger obligation to accommodate migration flows to the extent that they are able and while respecting immigration laws.
Number 4: Refugees and asylum seekers should be afforded protection. Those who flee wars and persecution should be protected by the global community. This requires, at a minimum, that migrants have a right to claim refugee status without incarceration and to have their claims fully considered by a competent authority.
Number 5: The human dignity and human rights of undocumented migrants should be respected. Regardless of legal status, migrants, like all persons, possess inherent human dignity that should be respected. Often, they are subject to punitive laws and harsh treatment from both receiving and transit countries. Government policies that respect the basic human rights of the undocumented are necessary.
As we reflect on these five principles and apply them to the government’s approach in balancing mercy and justice in this immigration crisis, it may also be helpful to review the immigration resources on the Archdiocesan website at www.sfarch.org/immigration or send an email to immigration@sfarch.org.
Yours sincerely in Christ,
Most Rev. Salvatore J. Cordileone
Archbishop of San Francisco
