Bishop John C. Wester is the Chairman of the U.S. Bishop's Committee on Migration responded to questions about the Church's position on Comprehensive Immigration Reform (May 16, 2010 issue of Our Sunday Visitor). In answer to a key question often raised, Bishop Wester clearly stated the key components of real Immigration Reform:
Question: What kind of immigration reform do the bishopswant exactly? Amnesty?Open borders?
Answer: Neither. The U .S. bishops’ prescription for mending our broken system is to bring the 11 million undocumented out of the shadows, register them with the government, require them to pay a fine and any taxes owed, and require them to learn English and work as they wait in the back of the line for a chance for citizenship. This is not “amnesty,” which is generally defined as granting a benefit without anything in return.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Parish Bulletin Immigration Facts Series
In case you missed the excellent Immigration Fact series that ran in the parish bulletin and were developed by Mary Cheston, here are the articles:
October 11 and 18:
As the nation mourns the loss of Senator Kennedy, we're reminded of his dedication to protecting the rights of immigrants and supporting every facet of immigration reform. Senator Kennedy was moved by the "immigrant spirit of limitless possibility" of those coming to America. "This country, with each new wave of immigrants has been energized and advanced, quite frankly, in terms of its economic, social, cultural and political life."
Did you know that:
October 25 and November 11:
Each year on November 2, All Souls Day, bishops in Texas, New Mexico and Mexico concelebrate Mass to remember all those who have died trying to cross the border into the United States. These Day of the Dead Masses are celebrated with Catholics gathered on either side of the border fence. Readings and prayers alternate from side to side, English and Spanish.
Did you know that:
November 8 and 15:
The United States has greatly increased its scrutiny of immigrants in the wake of the tragedies of September 11, 2001. In the name of national security, some jurisdictions have deputized local police to assist with enforcement. From Fiscal Year (FY) 1993 to FY 2006, the U.S. Border Patrol budget more than quadrupled from $362 million to $1.6 billion, and the number of Border Patrol agents more than tripled from 3, 995 to 14, 400.
Did you know that:
The Catholic Church recognizes the right of a nation to control its borders, but it does not see this as an "absolute right," nor does it see sovereign rights as having priority over basic human rights. While ideally people would find work in their home country, the church teaches that if their country of birth does not afford the conditions necessary to lead a fully human life, persons have a right to emigrate.
Did you know that:
Most future population growth in the United States will occur through immigration and through births to immigrants and their descendents. By 2020 it is estimated that "almost 30 percent of children born in the United States will have one or more foreign born parent."
About one in every 10 children born in the United States each year are the children of undocumented parents. More than 3 million U.S. children who are U.S. citizens have at least one parent without legal status. Each year about 65,000 U.S.-raised undocumented students graduate from high school. The United States has already invested in their futures.
Did you know that:
U.S. law does not currently provide a path for immigrants who are undocumented to regularize their status. Many of these immigrants entered the country legally with a visa but have extended their stay beyond the allowed dates. As of 2007, about 75 percent of Americans supported allowing those in the U.S. to remain for either temporary work or to become citizens.
Did you know that:
This month we celebrate National Migration Week. America is a country of immigrants, founded on the principle of providing opportunity to all. The labor, values, and beliefs of immigrants from throughout the world have transformed the United States from a loose group of colonies into one of the leading democracies in the world today.
"Nearly all Americans have ancestors who braved the oceans -- liberty-loving risk takers in search of an ideal -- the largest voluntary migrations recorded in history. Across the Pacific, across the Atlantic, they came from every point on the compass -- many passing beneath the Statue of Liberty -- with fear and vision, with sorrow and adventure, fleeing tyranny or terror, seeking haven, and all seeking hope...Immigration is not just a link to America's past; it's also a bridge to America's future." -- George W. Bush
Our "faith reminds us how we are all pilgrims on our way towards our true homeland." (The Love of Christ Toward Migrants)
Please join us in celebrating National Migration Week and praying for immigration reform.
October 11 and 18:
As the nation mourns the loss of Senator Kennedy, we're reminded of his dedication to protecting the rights of immigrants and supporting every facet of immigration reform. Senator Kennedy was moved by the "immigrant spirit of limitless possibility" of those coming to America. "This country, with each new wave of immigrants has been energized and advanced, quite frankly, in terms of its economic, social, cultural and political life."
Did you know that:
- Thousands of immigrants are fighting in the U.S. armed forces in Iraq and Afghanistan today?
- Each farmworker creates an average of three new local jobs in packaging, shipping, and sales?
- Immigrants collectively pay more than $90 billion in taxes?
October 25 and November 11:
Each year on November 2, All Souls Day, bishops in Texas, New Mexico and Mexico concelebrate Mass to remember all those who have died trying to cross the border into the United States. These Day of the Dead Masses are celebrated with Catholics gathered on either side of the border fence. Readings and prayers alternate from side to side, English and Spanish.
Did you know that:
- Until about 1924, people moved fairly freely across the borders of Mexico and California, Arizona, Texas, and New Mexico?
- Every day immigrants dehydrate in deserts, drown in canals, freeze in mountains, and suffocate in tractor trailers?
- Since October 2008, 416 border deaths have been reported; over 200 bodies have been found in the Arizona/Mexico border area alone?
- Although total illegal border crossings have decreased, the number of deaths is increasing as immigrants move to more remote and hazardous locations?
November 8 and 15:
The United States has greatly increased its scrutiny of immigrants in the wake of the tragedies of September 11, 2001. In the name of national security, some jurisdictions have deputized local police to assist with enforcement. From Fiscal Year (FY) 1993 to FY 2006, the U.S. Border Patrol budget more than quadrupled from $362 million to $1.6 billion, and the number of Border Patrol agents more than tripled from 3, 995 to 14, 400.
Did you know that:
- All 19 terrorists of September 11th came into the United States with legal visas (2 overstayed these visas)?
- Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids and deportations have left behind children who were born here without one or both parents?
- The cost of ICE detentions is budgeted at $1.7 billion for FY 2010?
The Catholic Church recognizes the right of a nation to control its borders, but it does not see this as an "absolute right," nor does it see sovereign rights as having priority over basic human rights. While ideally people would find work in their home country, the church teaches that if their country of birth does not afford the conditions necessary to lead a fully human life, persons have a right to emigrate.
Did you know that:
- Immigrants make up more than 10% of the population of Virginia?
- Undocumented immigrants in Virginia paid between $260 million and $311 million in taxes in 2007?
- Latino and Asian entrepreneurs and consumers add billions of dollars and thousands of jobs to Virginia's economy?
Most future population growth in the United States will occur through immigration and through births to immigrants and their descendents. By 2020 it is estimated that "almost 30 percent of children born in the United States will have one or more foreign born parent."
About one in every 10 children born in the United States each year are the children of undocumented parents. More than 3 million U.S. children who are U.S. citizens have at least one parent without legal status. Each year about 65,000 U.S.-raised undocumented students graduate from high school. The United States has already invested in their futures.
Did you know that:
- Children of immigrants will drive our future economy, just as our ancestors did?
- Without parents who are citizens or permanent residents, Virginia students are not considered to be residents, and therefore are not eligible to receive in-state tuition at Virginia universities?
- States that have permitted in-state tuition (currently 10 states) have experienced increased school revenues from the tuition of students who otherwise would not be in college?
U.S. law does not currently provide a path for immigrants who are undocumented to regularize their status. Many of these immigrants entered the country legally with a visa but have extended their stay beyond the allowed dates. As of 2007, about 75 percent of Americans supported allowing those in the U.S. to remain for either temporary work or to become citizens.
Did you know that:
- The costs of becoming a U.S. citizen have increased dramatically, rising to $676 to process an application for citizenship, and $1,010 for a green card?
- The costs to deport the 12 million undocumented immigrants already in the U.S. is estimated to be $80 billion?
This month we celebrate National Migration Week. America is a country of immigrants, founded on the principle of providing opportunity to all. The labor, values, and beliefs of immigrants from throughout the world have transformed the United States from a loose group of colonies into one of the leading democracies in the world today.
"Nearly all Americans have ancestors who braved the oceans -- liberty-loving risk takers in search of an ideal -- the largest voluntary migrations recorded in history. Across the Pacific, across the Atlantic, they came from every point on the compass -- many passing beneath the Statue of Liberty -- with fear and vision, with sorrow and adventure, fleeing tyranny or terror, seeking haven, and all seeking hope...Immigration is not just a link to America's past; it's also a bridge to America's future." -- George W. Bush
Our "faith reminds us how we are all pilgrims on our way towards our true homeland." (The Love of Christ Toward Migrants)
Please join us in celebrating National Migration Week and praying for immigration reform.
A Prayer for Immigrant Justice
Blessed are You, Lord God,
King of all creation.
Through Your goodness, we live in this land
that You have so richly blessed.
Help us always to recognize our
Blessings come from You
and remind us to share them
with others, especially those who come
to us today from other lands.
Help us to be generous, just, and welcoming,
as You have been and are generous to us.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Latest Poll Shows 87% in U.S. Support Comprehensive Immigration Reform (LINK)
In the new Benenson Strategy Group poll (December 2009), voters were asked about several aspects of comprehensive immigration reform. Perhaps not surprisingly, 89 percent supported increasing security on the U.S.-Mexico border and an identical number supported cracking down on employers who hire illegal immigrants. But nearly as many—87 percent—also supported a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants, provided they registered with the government and met requirements like working, paying taxes, and learning English.
The Economic Benefits of Comprehensive Immigration Reform (LINK)
A new study from the Center for American Progress quantifies the benefits to the U.S. economy of Comprehensive Immigration Reform and shows how it can actually help in raising wages for all American workers and in jump-starting the economy even in a recession. Using hard data to create an econometric model, it estimates the economic ramifications of three different scenarios -- including mass deportation of all undocumented immigrants.
The study finds that mass deportation is the worst scenario for the U. S. economy, reducing U.S. Gross Domestic Product by $2.6 trillion over 10 years not including the substantial actual cost of deportation of 12 million people. Wages would rise for less-skilled native-born workers, but would diminish for higher-skilled native-born workers. This scenario would also lead to widespread job loss.
By contrast, implementing Comprehensive Immigration Reform generates an increase in U.S. GDP of at least at least $1.5 trillion summed over 10 years. It also boosts wages for both native-born and newly legalized
immigrant workers.
The study finds that mass deportation is the worst scenario for the U. S. economy, reducing U.S. Gross Domestic Product by $2.6 trillion over 10 years not including the substantial actual cost of deportation of 12 million people. Wages would rise for less-skilled native-born workers, but would diminish for higher-skilled native-born workers. This scenario would also lead to widespread job loss.
By contrast, implementing Comprehensive Immigration Reform generates an increase in U.S. GDP of at least at least $1.5 trillion summed over 10 years. It also boosts wages for both native-born and newly legalized
immigrant workers.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Pope Benedict comments on immigrant rights (LINK)
In remarks last Sunday about immigrant problems in Italy, Pope Benedict said, "An immigrant is a human being, different in origin, culture, and tradition, but he is a person to respect, with rights and duties." The Pope also criticized the "exploitation of immigrants."
No Amnesty in Proposed Comprehensive Immigration Reform Legislation
In 1986 President Ronald Reagan* got Congress to pass an amnesty for undocumented immigrants living in the U.S. at that time. Because of that, many people believe that Comprehensive Immigration Reform is another plan to grant amnesty to undocumented immigrants now living in the U.S. Indeed the media even sometimes portrays Comprehensive Immigration Reform as amnesty. But it is not amnesty.
However, Comprehensive Immigration Reform would exact a penalty -- undocumented immigrants would be required to pay a fine for breaking the law. In addition, they would be required to:
Of course, without the border protections and employer penalties for hiring undocumented immigrants that are also part of Comprehensive Immigration Reform, there will be many more undocumented immigrants who will have come into the U.S. over that period.
While justice and compassion are good reasons to support Comprehensive Immigration Reform, simple economics adds a more pragmatic reason.
* As an individual, Ronald Reagan was very convinced of the benefits of immigration, even undocumented. "This view was apparent in Reagan's public statements well before he became President. In one of his radio addresses, in November 1977, he wondered about what he called 'the illegal alien fuss. Are great numbers of our unemployed really victims of the illegal alien invasion, or are those illegal tourists actually doing work our own people won't do? One thing is certain in this hungry world: No regulation or law should be allowed if it results in crops rotting in the fields for lack of harvesters.' As a Californian, Reagan understood the role of immigrant labor in agriculture." (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB114773982558453625.html)
According to Merriam-Webster, amnesty is “an act of an authority (as a government) by which pardon is granted to a large group of individuals.” Pardon is “the excusing of an offense without exacting a penalty.”
However, Comprehensive Immigration Reform would exact a penalty -- undocumented immigrants would be required to pay a fine for breaking the law. In addition, they would be required to:
- Pay any back taxes (in fact, 50-75% of undocumented immigrants already pay taxes)
- Pass a criminal background check (during the immigration peak, U.S. crime dropped over 30%)
- Learn English
- Have a job
Of course, without the border protections and employer penalties for hiring undocumented immigrants that are also part of Comprehensive Immigration Reform, there will be many more undocumented immigrants who will have come into the U.S. over that period.
While justice and compassion are good reasons to support Comprehensive Immigration Reform, simple economics adds a more pragmatic reason.
* As an individual, Ronald Reagan was very convinced of the benefits of immigration, even undocumented. "This view was apparent in Reagan's public statements well before he became President. In one of his radio addresses, in November 1977, he wondered about what he called 'the illegal alien fuss. Are great numbers of our unemployed really victims of the illegal alien invasion, or are those illegal tourists actually doing work our own people won't do? One thing is certain in this hungry world: No regulation or law should be allowed if it results in crops rotting in the fields for lack of harvesters.' As a Californian, Reagan understood the role of immigrant labor in agriculture." (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB114773982558453625.html)
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Hope...and a Challenge (LINK)
In its lead editorial today (January 6, 2010), The New York Times notes that "The quest for overhauling immigration received two very welcome lifts on New Year's Day." (For the full text, click on the subject line.)
First, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg pledged at his inauguration to help the Obama administration pass immigration reform. He said, "No city on earth has been more rewarded by immigrant labor, more renewed by immigrant ideas, more revitalized by immigrant culture." As The Times suggests, we could easily substitute our "country" in Mayor Bloomberg's statement and it would be every bit as true.
Second, The Times highlighted four immigrant college students who are walking from Miami, Florida to Washington, DC to bring attention to the problems of immigrant children who are denied or have problems securing a college education even if they are very highly qualified. These young people are denied simply because their parents are undocumented (even though the student may be a U.S. citizen) or they were brought here at an early age and are themselves undocumented but want to become U.S. citizens.
As the editorial notes, comprehensive immigration reform would resolve these injustices not by some broad "amnesty" as its opponents like to say, but by creating a pathway to legalization that requires the undocumented immigrant already living in the U.S. to "show they have been employed, pay a $500 fine, learn English and undergo a criminal background check" in addition to paying any back taxes. It also notes that this "is not a question of adding new people to the work force; they are already here, many helping keep the economy afloat while tolerating low pay and abuse from lawbreaking employers who prefer them to American workers."
In sum, "America needs to shut the path to illegal entry and employment while opening smoother and more rational routes to legal immigration."
However, The Christian Science Monitor yesterday reported on "Opponents on immigration reform gear up for forthcoming battle" (http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Politics/2010/0105/Opponents-on-immigration-reform-gear-up-for-forthcoming-battle). Noting that "Immigration reform is far down on Washington's 'to do' list, after healthcare reform, the Afghanistan war, and job creation." it also reports that "outside the Beltway, in America's community centers and protest venues, you'd think someone had already pushed the hot button to bring this always-simmering issue to a boil." For example, on November 14, 2009, 50 "Tea Party Against Amnesty and Illegal Immigration" rallies were held around the U.S.
Countering that, however, pro-Reform groups held 900 "house parties" (including one here at St. Anthony of Padua) nationwide. As pollster Peter Brodnitz has found in his recent polling, "Americans have a more knowledgeable and nuanced opinion than they did a few years ago." His most recent poll "...found that 86 percent of American voters given details of comprehensive reform want Congress to pass a plan." The challenge for those supporting immigration reform is to reach out and educate our communities about the details of comprehensive reform.
First, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg pledged at his inauguration to help the Obama administration pass immigration reform. He said, "No city on earth has been more rewarded by immigrant labor, more renewed by immigrant ideas, more revitalized by immigrant culture." As The Times suggests, we could easily substitute our "country" in Mayor Bloomberg's statement and it would be every bit as true.
Second, The Times highlighted four immigrant college students who are walking from Miami, Florida to Washington, DC to bring attention to the problems of immigrant children who are denied or have problems securing a college education even if they are very highly qualified. These young people are denied simply because their parents are undocumented (even though the student may be a U.S. citizen) or they were brought here at an early age and are themselves undocumented but want to become U.S. citizens.
As the editorial notes, comprehensive immigration reform would resolve these injustices not by some broad "amnesty" as its opponents like to say, but by creating a pathway to legalization that requires the undocumented immigrant already living in the U.S. to "show they have been employed, pay a $500 fine, learn English and undergo a criminal background check" in addition to paying any back taxes. It also notes that this "is not a question of adding new people to the work force; they are already here, many helping keep the economy afloat while tolerating low pay and abuse from lawbreaking employers who prefer them to American workers."
In sum, "America needs to shut the path to illegal entry and employment while opening smoother and more rational routes to legal immigration."
However, The Christian Science Monitor yesterday reported on "Opponents on immigration reform gear up for forthcoming battle" (http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Politics/2010/0105/Opponents-on-immigration-reform-gear-up-for-forthcoming-battle). Noting that "Immigration reform is far down on Washington's 'to do' list, after healthcare reform, the Afghanistan war, and job creation." it also reports that "outside the Beltway, in America's community centers and protest venues, you'd think someone had already pushed the hot button to bring this always-simmering issue to a boil." For example, on November 14, 2009, 50 "Tea Party Against Amnesty and Illegal Immigration" rallies were held around the U.S.
Countering that, however, pro-Reform groups held 900 "house parties" (including one here at St. Anthony of Padua) nationwide. As pollster Peter Brodnitz has found in his recent polling, "Americans have a more knowledgeable and nuanced opinion than they did a few years ago." His most recent poll "...found that 86 percent of American voters given details of comprehensive reform want Congress to pass a plan." The challenge for those supporting immigration reform is to reach out and educate our communities about the details of comprehensive reform.
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