Make
another attempt
at immigration reform
Five years ago, the Catholic Bishops of the United States made a proposal
based on Catholic teaching applied to today’s social realities.
They called for pathways for the legalization of approximately 12 million
undocumented immigrants living in this country. Five years later, their
thoughtful solution borne of pastoral reflection seems a distant hope.
Federal legislation is unlikely to produce any immigration reform policy
before this time next year. If and when it does, draconian solutions proffered
by political leaders, the media and many Americans — such as border
walls, mass arrests and deportation without due process — are likely
to continue gaining acceptance. Today as much as ever, the Bishops’
call for clear thinking on this complex issue is much needed.
The Bishops envision immigration rules that keep America safe in an age
of terrorism and control the flow of newcomers into the country through
a fair process. Legalization for those already here recognizes their necessary
value to American employers, allows families to stay together both here
and abroad and allows the real issue of immigration to be tackled: the
hope for a better life.
We live in a globalized economy where nations and their people are ever
more dependent on each other’s goods and services. Lower barriers
to trade and the easier flow of peoples, ideas and cultures characterize
this new world. Cooperation between the United States and other nations,
principally Mexico (through which many migrants from across Latin America
travel on their way to the U.S.) will enable prosperity in the midst of
globalization much more so than walls and racist policies that aim to
keep out those deemed unworthy and alien.
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia, which will welcome in prayer the many
new arrivals to this country at the Migration Mass this Sunday in our
Cathedral, has witnessed the tension of immigration in the past. The Irish
of the mid 19th century endured the same prejudices as they struggled
to succeed, as did the Germans, Italians, Poles and many other peoples
who followed. Today, the 161,000 Spanish-speaking people and those from
many other lands in the Archdiocese bring their unique gifts and pious
faith to enliven our Catholic community and all American society. They
represent growth and new life; the Hispanic community alone has grown
21 percent within the Archdiocese from 2000 to 2005.
This gift of human spirit is no longer to be feared but welcomed —
in our hearts and our laws. America has faced the challenge in the past,
and benefited by welcoming the hardworking stranger. The Bishops of our
country call us prophetically to do so again.
Statement
of Cardinal Rigali
concerning editorial cartoon
Since I was in Rome on Thursday, February 21, 2008 when The Philadelphia
Inquirer printed the Tony Auth cartoon on the editorial page of the newspaper,
I now wish to join all those who have expressed indignation at this offensive
cartoon. It was a blatant attack on what is held sacred by so many Catholic
people, almost 1.5 million members of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia:
our faith, our Church and the Christian Scriptures. Such ridicule and
mockery is unworthy of The Philadelphia Inquirer and should have no place
in the City of Brotherly Love where respect for the religious beliefs
of every person and every community should be fundamental.
It is my hope that our great city with all its people of good will who
wish to live together in civility and respect will not tolerate this type
of religious prejudice wherever it is found.
Cardinal Justin Rigali
Archbishop of Philadelphia
February 25, 2008