Immigrant or Illegal Alien? What are Catholics supposed to do?

The topic of immigration reform or what’s the term they are using, “undocumented immigrant” is really an interesting disscusion point or topic for myself and my wife. My wife is from the Philippines and we started the process for her to immigrate to the US in March 1991 and it wasn’t until Feb 14, 1992 that she and I would finally be back together again. Now keep in mind, back in the day prior to the internet, email, cell phones, everything was paper and typed. AND, this process was supposed to take only 90 days. Do the math, that was 11 months. Oddly enough as we were pulling into the airport in Nashville, the song on the radio was Neil Diamonds, Coming to America. That was a neat memory.

I’ve digressed; what we really need to do is understand that there is a difference between an "immigrant" and an "illegal alien." Call the latter whatever you’d like, but the fact remains the same, the later not the former, but the later DID NOT “legally” and “correctly” enter the country. So lets take a look at these terms and what if any issues might arise.

The terms "immigrant" and "illegal alien" have distinct meanings, both legally and by definition. Here's a breakdown of the differences:

Immigrant

Definition--An immigrant is a person who moves to a country with the intention of residing there permanently or long-term, often seeking better opportunities, family reunification, or refuge from adverse conditions in their home country.

Legal Context--Legal Immigrant: Someone who has entered a country through lawful means and with the necessary documentation, such as a visa, green card, or naturalization certificate.
Immigrants may eventually apply for permanent residency or citizenship in the host country.

Key Characteristics

Immigration is regulated by national laws, and immigrants are subject to those laws regarding entry, residency, and citizenship. They typically adhere to the legal processes established by the receiving country.

Illegal Alien

Definition--The term illegal alien refers to a person who resides in a country without the authorization of that country’s government. This term is primarily used in U.S. legal terminology, though its usage is often controversial and considered outdated or pejorative.

Legal Context--An illegal alien may:
Enter the country without proper documentation (e.g., crossing a border unlawfully).
Overstay a valid visa, becoming unauthorized after the visa's expiration.
Be found in violation of immigration laws in other ways.
This term is used in legal documents, particularly U.S. immigration law, to distinguish unauthorized persons from lawful immigrants.

Key Characteristics

Their status is considered unlawful, and they may face penalties, deportation, or other legal consequences. The term is not used to define their humanity or moral character, but rather their legal status in relation to immigration laws.

Implications of the Distinction

Legal Consequences: Immigrants with lawful status enjoy the benefits and protections of the host country, while illegal aliens face legal vulnerabilities, including deportation.
Public Perception: The term "illegal alien" is increasingly avoided in favor of terms like "undocumented immigrant" due to its perceived dehumanizing connotation.
Policy Impact: Immigration laws and policies address both groups differently, often focusing on integration for legal immigrants and enforcement or regularization pathways for those without legal status.

Understanding the difference is crucial for informed discussions on immigration, as the terminology carries both legal and societal implications.

Does the United States and any country for that matter, have the RIGHT, and RESPONSIBILTY to their citizens a secure border and relative safety within the sovereign? The answer is overwhelmingly YES. Does the Catholic Church support this? The answer here might surprise you, but it is YES. Catholic teaching on issues like protecting sovereign borders, obeying laws, and their relationship to the Beatitudes and the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy is grounded in a balance between upholding justice and extending compassion. Below is an exploration of these principles.

Protecting Sovereign Borders

Catholic Teaching

The Church recognizes the legitimacy of nations to establish and enforce borders for the sake of order, security, and the common good. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 2241) 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. 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."

This teaching balances the right of a nation to regulate immigration with the moral responsibility to care for those in need, particularly refugees and the vulnerable.

Obeying Sovereign Laws

Catholic Teaching--Catholics are called to obey just laws as part of their duty to uphold the common good (CCC 2238): "Those subject to authority should regard those in authority as representatives of God, who has made them stewards of his gifts."However, when laws conflict with divine or moral law (e.g., laws permitting injustice or oppression), Catholics are morally obligated to resist them (Acts 5:29: "We must obey God rather than men").

Just Laws: Catholics should respect immigration laws and contribute to societal order.

Unjust Laws: If a law perpetuates discrimination or violates human dignity, Catholics are called to advocate for reform and ensure the law aligns with moral principles.

The Beatitudes

The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12) call Christians to live out Christ-like virtues, particularly mercy, humility, and peace. Applying them to issues of borders and laws:

a) Blessed are the merciful Nations must show mercy to those in desperate situations, such as refugees fleeing war or persecution. Mercy involves creating pathways for aid, resettlement, and compassionate treatment.
b) Blessed are the peacemakers Addressing the root causes of migration (e.g., conflict, poverty, environmental crises) helps promote peace and reduces the pressures of irregular migration.
c) Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness Catholics are called to advocate for justice in immigration policies, ensuring they reflect human dignity and the sanctity of life.

Corporal Works of Mercy

The Corporal Works of Mercy focus on tangible acts of charity, which directly relate to migrants and border issues:

Feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, and clothe the naked: Providing for the basic needs of migrants, especially those in dire situations.
Welcome the stranger: Rooted in Christ's teaching (Matthew 25:35), this calls for hospitality toward migrants and refugees.
Visit the imprisoned: This includes caring for those detained in immigration facilities.
Bury the dead: Respecting the dignity of those who perish in migration-related tragedies.

While a nation may protect its borders, policies should reflect mercy and compassion for the vulnerable. This includes ensuring humane treatment for migrants and refugees.

Spiritual Works of Mercy

The Spiritual Works of Mercy guide Catholics in addressing the spiritual and emotional needs of others:

Instruct the ignorant and counsel the doubtful: Educate and support those who may not understand immigration laws or feel lost in a new culture.
Comfort the afflicted: Be present for migrants and asylum seekers, offering emotional and spiritual solace.
Pray for the living and the dead: Intercede for all affected by migration, including those who face hardship in their journey.

Balancing Justice and Mercy

Catholic teaching emphasizes a balance:

Justice: Protecting borders and enforcing laws ensure societal stability and safety.
Mercy: Compassionate care for the vulnerable reflects Christ’s call to love one’s neighbor (Matthew 22:39).
Practical Approach:

Laws should reflect both justice and charity, ensuring that borders are secure but policies are fair and humane. Governments and individuals should work to address root causes of migration, such as poverty and conflict, reducing the need for people to flee their homes.

Christ’s Example and Catholic Response

Christological Foundation:

Jesus Himself was a refugee, fleeing to Egypt with Mary and Joseph to escape Herod’s persecution (Matthew 2:13-15). This underscores the call to show mercy to those displaced by circumstances beyond their control. His teaching to "welcome the stranger" (Matthew 25:35-40) is a direct command to care for migrants and refugees as if caring for Christ Himself.
Faith and Action:

Catholics are called to live out their faith by advocating for policies that uphold human dignity, respecting both the sovereignty of nations and the rights of individuals. Addressing these issues through prayer, charity, and active participation in society reflects the heart of the Gospel. Catholic teaching does not dismiss the need for secure borders or just laws but insists they must be implemented with compassion and mercy. Sovereignty and security should never come at the expense of human dignity. By aligning laws and policies with the Beatitudes and the Works of Mercy, Catholics can witness to the love of Christ and foster a more just and humane society.

Catholic Teaching on Sovereignty and Security

Legitimate Authority: The Church teaches that governments have a moral obligation to ensure the safety and well-being of their citizens. This includes regulating immigration and removing individuals who pose a clear and present danger to society (CCC, 2237–2241). Justice and the Common Good: Justice demands that a nation prioritize the common good, which includes safeguarding communities from harm. Removing dangerous individuals is not a violation of faith but a legitimate exercise of the state’s protective duty.
Moral Obligation to Uphold Laws: Upholding just immigration laws reflects the Catholic principle of respecting lawful authority, provided those laws are fair and protect human dignity.
Faith and Action

A government’s removal of individuals who are demonstrably dangerous does not violate Catholic teaching, as it seeks to balance security and the dignity of human life.
However, actions must be tempered with compassion, ensuring that due process is afforded to all individuals and that laws are applied justly, without discrimination or unnecessary cruelty.
Mercy and Justice for Contributing Individuals

Human Dignity and Social Contribution: Many undocumented immigrants have lived in a country for decades, built lives, raised families, and contributed to the economy and community. The Church teaches that such individuals should be treated with dignity and compassion (Pope Francis, Fratelli Tutti). Balance of Justice and Mercy: Catholic social teaching emphasizes that mercy must accompany justice. Long-term residents who have demonstrated good character and a commitment to society should be given a chance to regularize their status.

Family Unity: The Church strongly advocates for the preservation of family unity. Deporting productive, long-term residents can cause undue harm to their families, violating the principle of human dignity.

Faith and Action

Fast-Tracking Pathways to Legal Status: For those who have lived productively and peaceably in a country for decades, a fast-tracked path to legal status would align with Catholic teaching on justice and mercy.

Promoting the Common Good: Allowing such individuals to regularize their status benefits the nation as a whole, as it integrates committed members of society while respecting their dignity.
It is not a violation of faith to protect a nation’s citizens or to remove individuals who pose a danger, as this is part of the government’s moral duty. However, Catholic teaching equally calls for mercy and justice, particularly for those who have lived peacefully and productively in the country for decades. Fast-tracking pathways to legal status for such individuals would uphold their dignity, foster societal integration, and reflect the Church’s call to love and justice.

This is really coming from a couple that has gone through the “legal” system and we fully understand as we lived it all the red tape and hoops one must jump through. I didn’t even begin to touch on the process for my mother-in-law to come visit and the nightmare that was to complete twice. But I think it is very important that we all understand that there are laws and regulations for a reason and we must as faith citizens follow them. At the same time, we are Catholic and we are called to act the way we are taught from the Church and more importantly from Christ Himself.

Hopefully, this article presents a clear understanding of our teachings, our beliefs, and our responsibilities both as Catholics and US Citizens.

God Bless.