"Together, Pilgrims of Hope with our Immigrant Community"
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
We write to you with hearts full of compassion and a deep desire to express our solidarity with you during this stressful time. We recognize the immense challenges you face as migrants, and we want to assure you that you are not alone. Compelled by the Gospel of Jesus Christ and recognizing the inherent dignity of each person as a child of God, we stand in firm solidarity with our immigrant brothers and sisters.
As your bishops, we will advocate for your just treatment and dignity within the framework of the law. We assure you of our prayerful support and ask the State of Louisiana to do the same. You are our brothers and sisters. Please know that you are not forgotten and that your Church stands with you in solidarity.
The Church has always recognized the responsibility of nations to control their borders and create migration policies. However, the Church teaches that this right is not unlimited and must be exercised with respect for the human dignity of each person and the common good. What is clear is the urgent need for a comprehensive reform of our country’s immigration system. The U.S. immigration system is overly complex and unjust, often keeping family members apart; it must be fixed.
Catholic social teaching identifies principles that should be included in any reform. It is necessary that the root causes of forced migration should be addressed. Any law enforcement efforts should be targeted, proportional, and humane, and should guarantee humanitarian protection and due process. Long-time residents should have an earned pathway to citizenship. Family unity should remain a cornerstone of the U.S. system and legal pathways to migration and citizenship should be expanded, reliable, and efficient.
We also hope that our country can develop an effective asylum system for those fleeing persecution and an immigration system that keeps our borders safe and secure. Enforcement policies should focus on those who present risks and dangers to society. In particular, efforts to reduce gang activity, stem the flow of drugs, and end human trafficking.
Sacred Scripture provides us with countless examples of God’s love for the stranger and the sojourner. These words remind us that we are all pilgrims of hope on this earth. O Mary, you and your family were forced to seek refuge in Egypt after the visit from the Magi (Mt. 2: 13-15). We ask you to intercede for us with your Son, Jesus, whom you brought forth from your womb to shine as the Light of the World.
January 17, 2025
Most Rev. Gregory M. Aymond
Archbishop of New Orleans
Most Rev. Glen John Provost
Bishop of Lake Charles
Most Rev. Michael G. Duca
Bishop of Baton Rouge
Most Rev. J. Douglas Deshotel
Bishop of Lafayette
Most Rev. Francis I. Malone
Bishop of Shreveport
Most Rev. Robert W. Marshall, JR
Bishop of Alexandria
Very Rev. Simon Peter Engurait
Diocesan Admin of Houma-Thibodaux
