Immigration is one of the most hotly debated issues in today’s world. It is a topic that not only affects the United States, but nearly every country in the world.
The United States in particular has been a primary place for immigration, ever since Christopher Columbus sailed the ocean blue and reported back about a land rich in resources. Ever since, people from all over the globe have made the difficult voyage to relocate to a new “promised land.”
The Catholic Church has very clear thoughts about immigration that are not simply the opinion of a pope, but are codified in the Church’s official teaching.
This makes it clear for Catholics on how to approach immigration from a Catholic perspective.
Finding the precise way to live by this teaching is more difficult, but the core Catholic principles are there.
Welcoming the foreigner
The Catechism states, “The more prosperous nations are obliged, to the extent they are able, to welcome the foreigner in search of the security and the means of livelihood which he cannot find in his country of origin. Public authorities should see to it that the natural right is respected that places a guest under the protection of those who receive him.” (CCC 2241)
Foreigners are to be respected and should be welcomed according to the ability of the country receiving them. It is a simple statement, one that is in accord with the biblical teachings of Jesus Christ.
Immigrants to respect the law
Immigrants entering a country need to be respectful, as the Catechism explains:
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. (CCC 1241)
Immigration is a two-way street, where both country and immigrant are obliged to respect each other.
What do these two principles mean when it comes to public policy? That is a question which politicians are invited to debate, keeping in mind the dignity of the human person. It’s not a Republican or a Democrat issue, but one that is a human issue that cuts to the core of our Catholic faith.
