The United States needs a legal immigration process that works

by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann

One issue that has almost unanimous agreement is that for decades, our immigration policy has been broken and is in need of reform. Immigration was one of the most significant issues in the presidential election. Candidate Trump promised the mass deportation of undocumented immigrants.

On Nov. 28, 2024, the Catholic bishops of Kansas issued a statement. We promised to continue to accompany and serve the immigrant community. We also promised to advocate for the just treatment and dignity of immigrants within the framework of the law. We reminded immigrants that no matter their legal status, they are beloved daughters and sons of God, made in the divine image and redeemed by Jesus Christ on Calvary.

The church does not have the authority or the responsibility to determine the legal status of those living in the United States. However, we have a moral responsibility to advocate for the recognition of the dignity of every human being who, created in the divine image, is of such worth that Jesus gave his life on Calvary. The church has an obligation to care for every person with respect and love, no matter their citizenship status.

Jesus taught his disciples that when we care for the stranger we are serving our Lord. In the 25th Chapter of St. Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus provides the criteria by which we will be judged: “For I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink; I was a stranger and you welcomed me; I was naked and you gave me clothing; I was sick and you took care of me; I was in prison and you visited me” (25: 35-36).

Those elected to lead our nation are responsible to protect the integrity of our country and keep safe the citizens of the United States. Allowing violent gangs, individuals with serious criminal histories, dealers of lethal illegal drugs, human traffickers and those who pose threats to our national security to enter our country and harm U.S. citizens is a serious dereliction of duty by our elected leaders. I commend President Trump and those in his administration for addressing this serious, national threat.

It is inconceivable that our previous administration either did not know or care about the location or the circumstances of approximately 300,000 children and youth who entered the United States during the past four years. We do not know how many of them have become victims of human trafficking, gangs and drug dealers. This is a national disgrace. I salute President Trump and his administration for making it a priority to find these lost children and youth.

At the same time, the vast majority of those who entered our country illegally are not gang members, criminals, drug dealers, human traffickers or terrorists posing a threat to our national security. Many have come fleeing poverty in their homeland with a sincere desire to better provide for the material needs of their families. Some have come fleeing political oppression and/or to protect their children from the gang culture prevalent in their native lands. Some have come because they desire the freedoms and opportunities that many of us take for granted — e.g., freedom of religion, freedom of speech, the opportunity to work hard and improve economic status, the opportunity for education for children and health care for families.

I was saddened by the recent remarks of Vice President Vance accusing the Catholic Church of economically profiting from our partnership with the U.S. government in caring for refugees and migrants. The truth is that the church is providing services that our government has a moral responsibility to provide.

Catholic Charities in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas has a long history of resettling refugees. I believe we do it better and for less cost than if the government attempted to provide comparable services. The government reimburses Catholic Charities for services rendered. The church does not economically profit from this partnership except that it gives us more resources to better serve those who we would naturally attempt to help in fulfilling the mandate Jesus gave to us to welcome the stranger.

The long-term solution to the immigration issue includes having a secure border, where we know who enters our country and why they seek to reside in the United States. The government has a responsibility to prevent bad actors from entering our nation.

At the same time, our country should have the most generous legal immigration policy in the world. This is how the Catechism of the Catholic Church describes the responsibilities of prosperous nations to refugees and immigrants as well as the corresponding responsibilities of migrants to the countries who welcome them:

“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.

“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 2241).

After his election, on Dec. 8, President Trump expressed an openness to work with Democrats for a plan to care for DREAMers, adults who as children were brought to the United States by their parents. The president acknowledged that many DREAMers have never been to the country where they were born and do not even know the language. Despite a lot of obstacles, many DREAMers have “become successful. They have great jobs. In some cases, they have small businesses. Some cases, they might have large businesses.” Maybe providing lasting, legal status for the DREAMers could be the place to begin the reform of our immigration policy.

What to do with the millions who entered our country illegally, but have not committed any other crime and are working hard, raising families and contributing to the welfare of society? If President Trump is able to shut down the border successfully, making illegal entry into our country virtually impossible, does it not make more sense to create a pathway for the undocumented to be able to earn legal status? If those who entered the nation illegally paid significant fines in reparation, why not allow them to receive at least a type of legal status? If not citizenship, perhaps work permits?

Economically, the United States would save the costs of deportation and receive revenue from the fines.

President Trump has expressed an openness to expanding legal immigration. However, he appears only open to welcome immigrants who bring some particular skills and expertise that will benefit our country. If that was the only criteria for accepting immigrants or refugees, my ancestors would never have made the cut.

Historically, immigrants have been instrumental in renewing our country — not because they had advanced degrees or technological skills, but because they loved the American Dream. They cherished the freedoms U.S. citizens enjoy and the opportunities to better provide for themselves and their families.

Sadly, our population is declining in the United States because of abortion, many adults choosing not to marry, and married couples having fewer children. Our birth rate is below replacement level. Without immigrants, our population decline would be even more severe. We need legal immigrants who love the United States, are eager to work hard, value freedom and respect the dignity of every human being.

I would love to have the opportunity to have a conversation with President Trump and/or Vice President Vance about immigration and refugee resettlement policies. I would treasure the opportunity to make the case for how generous policies for worker permits and legal immigration could be important ingredients in helping make America great again!