John Paul II on Immigration

When one looks for a "Catholic" position on immigration, the best beginning is with John Paul II. You will note that his position is not the same as the one presented by Cdl. (Cesar Chavez) Mahony of Los Angeles...

This is taken from http://coworkersintruth.blogspot.com/2006/05/illegal-immigration-pope-john-paul-ii.html "Cooperatores Veritatis" (Words of JPII are italicized)

Pope John Paul II, by contrast, understands the problem of illegal immigration as complex and delicate. And as such, the debate should not be framed in the rather simplistic terms it is presently framed in by both sides. He begins his message thus: "The phenomenon of migration with its complex problems challenges the international community and individual States today more than ever."

"Thus migration loses that dimension of economic, social and cultural development which it had in the past. In fact, there is less and less talk of the situation of 'emigrants' in their countries of origin, and more and more of 'immigrants', with respect to the problems they create in the countries where they settle. Migration is assuming the features of a social emergency, above all because of the increase in illegal migrants which, despite the current restrictions, it seems impossible to halt."

I think it is worth noting that the Holy Father does not include illegal migration at this juncture as having the a "dimension of economic, social and cultural development".

"Illegal immigration should be prevented, but it is also essential to combat vigorously the criminal activities which exploit illegal immigrants. (n.2)"

The next sentence in the pope's message is an important one: "The most appropriate choice, which will yield consistent and long-lasting results is that of international cooperation which aims to foster political stability and to eliminate underdevelopment."

Others have pointed out that the Mexican economy is so poorly managed that it's now virtually dependent on dollars remitted by illegals. Has GWB asked Vincente Fox to clean up the corruption?

For instance, in the case of Mexico, it is clear that that rampant cronyism and corruption in its government and much of the general culture is what holds many of the Mexican populace in absolute squalor. This desperate situation drives many of them to go to the lengths of risking their own lives to come into the U.S. illegally for even the faintest hope of securing a decent livelihood for themselves and their families.

In difficult situations like that created by illegal immigration, the temptation to place inordinate blame on the illegal aliens themselves is great. The Pope warns against this danger: " It is necessary to guard against the rise of new forms of racism or xenophobic behavior, which attempt to make these brothers and sisters of ours scapegoats for what may be difficult local situations.(n.4)"

The essay on "Cooperatores" is well-written and balanced--worth reading in its entirety.

But it is no longer necessary to swallow 'the line' of certain Bishops as though it were Authoritative Catholic Teaching. It ain't. And it is worth remembering that JPII knows a LOT about immigration issues, worldwide.