By Jonah McKeown
CNA Staff, Dec 6, 2024 / 09:25 am
The Catholic bishops of New Mexico have taken a stand against the policy of mass deportation of unauthorized immigrants, a policy that President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to implement.
In a strongly worded statement, Archbishop John Wester of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, Bishop Peter Baldacchino of the Diocese of Las Cruces, and Bishop James Wall of the Diocese of Gallup emphasized that a mass deportation policy would only lead to chaos, family separation, and the traumatization of children.
They further stated, “While removing those who cause harm to us is necessary, deporting immigrants who have built equities in our communities and pose no threat is contrary to humanitarian principles and to our national interest.”
The bishops urged the new administration to reconsider the proposed deportation policy and instead focus on bipartisan negotiations to reform the U.S. immigration system.
New Mexico, with a 180-mile border with Mexico, heavily relies on migrants for labor. Estimates suggest there were 25,000-75,000 immigrants residing in New Mexico illegally in 2022.
This statement by the New Mexico bishops echoes the sentiments expressed by Bishop Mark Seitz of El Paso, Texas, who leads the U.S. bishops’ migration committee. Bishop Seitz emphasized that if the Trump administration enacts immigration measures that violate basic human rights, the Catholic bishops are prepared to speak out.
While expressing concern about Trump’s immigration rhetoric during the campaign, Bishop Seitz also stated that they are awaiting concrete plans from the administration before taking further action.
Welcome to our blog, where we bring you the latest news and insights from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) fall meeting in Baltimore. Bishop Mark Seitz of El Paso recently addressed the media at the conference, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between immigrants who have committed crimes and those who contribute positively to our country.
The U.S. has approximately 11.7 million undocumented immigrants, according to recent statistics from the Center for Migration Studies. The current administration’s plan to deport all illegal migrants has sparked controversy within Catholic circles, as it raises concerns about the moral and economic implications of such a mass deportation policy.
While the Catechism of the Catholic Church encourages countries to welcome migrants and uphold their dignity, it also acknowledges the right of nations to regulate migration. Experts warn that mass deportations could disrupt the economy and undermine human rights, posing challenges to family unity and the common good.
Former acting deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Ken Cuccinelli, argues that the moral dimension of migration policy is independent of its scale. He emphasizes the importance of both welcoming migrants and respecting the laws of the host country, as outlined in the catechism.
As the debate continues, it is essential to consider the ethical, economic, and political implications of immigration policies. Stay tuned for more updates and insights from the USCCB fall meeting.
(Story continues below)
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
