Balancing Compassion with Justice, A Catholic Perspective on Charity and Illegal Immigration

My last article on Catholic 365 focused on Evelyn Underhill’s book "The School of Charity," offering insights to the meaning, demands and role of charity in our life. In this article we will apply the concepts of Charity to illegal immigration in the United States as Underhill demanded: 

"The spiritual life is a stern choice. It is not a consoling retreat from the difficulties of existence; but an invitation to enter fully into that difficult existence and there apply the Charity of God and bear the cost."

This quote resonates deeply when examining the complex intersection of faith, charity, and the political and legal challenges of immigration. Living a Catholic life calls us to balance compassion with justice, but when these principles are entangled with politics, the path forward becomes harder to discern.

The Controversy: USCCB’s Response to the Trump Administration’s Policies

Recently, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) issued a statement addressing the Trump Administration's policy of returning illegal immigrants to their countries of origin. This position sparked debate within the Catholic community, as seen in contrasting perspectives like Archbishop Broglio’s comments supporting immigrant rights and counterarguments such as Terri Thomas’ piece on *Catholic 365*, titled *Illegal Immigration: A Sin Against Justice and Truth* and Bishop Strickland’s response to Brigolio’s comments.

Archbishop Broglio’s statement read: “Many of the issues President Trump addresses in his recent Executive Orders, along with what may be issued in the coming days, are matters on which the Church has much to offer. Some provisions contained in the Executive Orders, such as those focused on the treatment of immigrants and refugees, foreign aid, expansion of the death penalty, and the environment, are deeply troubling and will have negative consequences, many of which will harm the most vulnerable among us. Other provisions in the Executive Orders can be seen in a more positive light, such as recognizing the truth about each human person as male or female.” 

When JD Vance, a devout Catholic, expressed disappointment in the USCCB’s response, many bishops and clergy defended Broglio’s statement further criticizing the Trump Administration for its immigration policies, particularly the practice of deporting illegal immigrants back to their home countries. The arguments tended to center the Christian call to welcome the stranger and protect the vulnerable. Some asserted that many immigrants are fleeing violence, poverty, and persecution, and sending them back to these dangerous conditions denies their inherent human dignity.

Bishop Joseph Strickland offered a contrasting critique of the USCCB's stance. Strickland noted that Catholic doctrine emphasizes the importance of both charity and justice, with respect always for just laws. Strickland was particularly concerned about illegal immigration resettlement activities is that “in many cases these activities have served to place very vulnerable people, especially a great number of children, at risk to be abused and exploited.” He worries that the action that led the Church’s involvement in illegal immigration was founded in the Marxist and Non-Catholic Liberation Theology that “focuses on class struggle and reforming unjust earthly systems, and a key tenet of that is the redistribution of wealth.” Strickland believes that “The truth is that having a secure border and an orderly and lawful immigration process is indeed the most compassionate approach for migrants, and it helps to safeguard against the chaos and mass suffering that is happening at our borders now…. It is a fact that most migrants who come to the United States illegally do not have a right to be in this country and are not in reality fleeing persecution. At least 80 percent would not qualify for asylum or refugee status. Preventing migrants from coming here illegally is not a rejection of any migrant’s humanity, but instead it is a matter of justice and prudence in supporting the rule of law and the proper order of immigration.”

These comments reflect a tension within the Catholic community: how to reconcile the call to charity with the necessity of maintaining order and protecting the common good.

Immigration: A Double-Edged Sword for Society

Immigration is a complex issue because it can both help and hurt a country, particularly its most vulnerable citizens. On the one hand, immigrants bring diversity, innovation, and labor that often fills gaps in the job market, contributing to economic growth and cultural enrichment. They are frequently willing to take on difficult, low-paying jobs that sustain industries like agriculture, construction, and hospitality. From a Catholic perspective, their resilience and pursuit of a better life align with the dignity of work and the human spirit's yearning for hope.

Immigration can also place strains on a country, especially when the systems in place are overwhelmed or poorly managed. Communities already struggling with poverty may experience increased competition for jobs, housing, and public resources such as schools, police and healthcare. This competition can exacerbate tensions and deepen the struggles of those who are already marginalized and can lead to increases in crimes and fuel feelings of discrimination and hate. Furthermore, when illegal immigration is widespread, it can undermine trust in legal processes and create opportunities for exploitation, such as wage theft or dangerous working conditions. Balancing the benefits and challenges of immigration requires policies that protect the vulnerable—both immigrants and the poor within the host country—while fostering a just society. US Immigration laws were ignored over the past four years allowing thousands of illegal migrants into the country and the harms to the citizenry played a large role in the election of Donald Trump as president.

Holding the Church Accountable: Questions of Transparency and Justice

As Catholics, we have a responsibility to seek the truth with humility and courage. While the Church has long been an advocate for migrants and refugees, recent reports raise serious concerns about how aid is being administered and whether it aligns with Catholic teaching. For example, Catholic organizations reportedly received $2.9 billion in government funding during President Biden's administration—far more than during previous administrations. This raises questions about motives and practices that deserve careful examination.

Some critical questions include: 

- How did the USCCB become involved in these programs, and what agreements (if any) were made with the government? (Agreements or MOUs should be made public, regardless if with Rome or USCCB.)

- Were funds used solely for the care of migrants, or diverted elsewhere (e.g., settlements for clergy abuse cases)?

- Did the Church knowingly encourage actions that violated immigration laws? 

- What safeguards were implemented to protect unaccompanied minors or vulnerable migrants from trafficking and abuse? 

- Has the Church advocated for better policy outcomes to prevent harm to migrants during their journey and upon arrival? (Emails, letters, etc. should be made public.)

Transparency and accountability are acts of fidelity to justice. If mistakes were made, they must be acknowledged (confessed), and systems must be improved to ensure that our charitable efforts truly serve the vulnerable without contributing to their suffering.

Living Out Charity, A Catholic Response to Illegal Immigration Deportation

As Catholics, we are called to act with both generosity and prudence in addressing the needs of illegal immigrants. Here are some considerations for a Catholic response:

1. Show Dignity and Respect to Illegal Migrants 

As Americans and Catholics we have a common belief in individual rights. We believe these rights are inalienable and emanate from God. While Illegal immigrants are not citizens, they are God's children. They are often in a vulnerable and fearful position. Treat them with kindness, respect, and dignity. Avoid actions or words that villify, threaten or intimidate them.

2. Be the Good Samaritan and Provide Essential Aid 

If you encounter someone in need, offer food, clothing, shelter, or healthcare if you are able. You can also direct them to public and private agencies that can help them. Catholic organizations, like the Vincentians, often advise against giving cash directly; instead, offer tangible support like meals or grocery gift cards. This ensures aid is used appropriately while still showing generosity.

3. Pray for Illegal Immigrants

Many immigrants endure harrowing journeys in search of a better life. Reports of their travels include horrific accounts of migrants being attacked, raped, or coerced into smuggling drugs or working as indentured servants to pay off cartel debts. Prayers for their safety, healing, and justice are a powerful way to support them spiritually.

4. Advocate for Vulnerable Children 

The plight of unaccompanied migrant children is particularly troubling. Many children were sent by their families in hopes of finding a better life, often encouraged by Non-governmental organizations who were paid to recruit them. An alarming number of those children—over 350,000—are reportedly missing. Concerns about sex trafficking, forced labor, organ harvesting and other abuses demand our attention. The Church and the Federal Government have a duty to find and care for these children.  Pray for these children and advocate for their protection.

5. Respect the Law and Demand Justice

We need to be mindful that the illegal immigrant answered the call of the Biden Administration which intentionally and methodically undermined and subverted US laws. Those officials and their cohorts should be held accountable and liable for this situation and moral dilemma. Most illegal immigrants knew they were violating US law, but many came to America under mitigating circumstances. They should voluntarily agree to return to their native land, but human nature being what it is - that is unlikely. America has a right to defend its borders and protect its citizens. It is a Sovereign nation. The Government has a right to deport those who broke the immigration laws. As Strickland cited The Catechism of the Catholic Church: “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.” (CCC #2241). Therefore, Catholic doctrine teaches that not only can a nation justly enforce its borders, but it can impose consequences on those who break its laws.

 While we do not have an obligation to aid the Government in the removal, we do have an obligation to uphold it and not to interfere, harbor or hide illegal immigrants. We should apply appropriate pressure on the Government do its job as humanely as possible, recognizing that those on the front lines often face a hostile reception.

6. Pray for Our Political and Religious Leaders

Our political and religious are confronted with difficult issues like illegal immigration. In the Divine world, Justice and Charity are always in synch, but in our broken world they can seemingly be at odds with each other. Our leaders need God's wisdom and prudence as they approach these issues. In the Old Testament, the Jewish people would often say that God was punishing them when it was their turning their back on God that allowed evil to prevail. Not much has changed over a few thousand years. Let us turn back to God, fill our churches and pray for our leaders that they might have virtue and courage to do the right thing when dealing with complex issues.

 Call to Action: Justice Rooted in Faith

Ultimately, the Catholic response to illegal immigration must reflect our Gospel values. This is no easy task, but it is one we are called to embrace with courage. 

As we navigate these challenges, let us remain steadfast in prayer, informed in our advocacy, and compassionate in our actions. The path of charity may be demanding, but it is also transformative, drawing us closer to the heart of Christ and His mission to bring hope and healing to a broken world.

Note: This article was enhanced with the use of AI for grammar, structure and tone.