PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

March 28, 2006

Contact: Deacon Timoteo Lujan.

505-863-4406

 

New Mexico Conference of Catholic Bishops Issues Statement on Immigration

The New Mexico bishops have issued a statement on immigration reform. Archbishop Michael Sheehan of Santa Fe, Bishop Ricardo Ramírez, C.S.B. of Las Cruces, and Bishop Donald Pelotte, S.S.S., of Gallup, in keeping with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, are in favor of a comprehensive immigration reform. "Church teaching supports the right of sovereign nations to protect their borders. While we do not approve illegal entry, once immigrants are here, they should be treated with decency and as human beings," the bishops state.

The U.S. bishops support the "Secure America and Orderly Immigration Act" (Senate Bill 1033). This bill, the bishops explain, does not call for amnesty, but rather for "earned legalization," which requires undocumented workers to earn permanent status by working for six years on a temporary residency status before qualifying for legal permanent residency. It also requires the responsibility of payment of fines, taxes and to attend classes of English as a second language.

The New Mexico bishops write that if all undocumented workers were to be deported, the impact on our economy would be severe. "Immigrants work in industries that do not attract sufficient U.S. workers. Over 80 percent of agricultural workers are foreign-born, while the majority of laborers in the meat packing and poultry industries are foreign-born. Over one-third of all dishwashers, janitors, maids, and cooks, are foreign-born. The U.S. Department of Labor reported that last year 450,000 jobs went to foreign workers, yet there were only 10,000 worker visas available."

The bishops cite the Gospel of Matthew "to welcome the stranger," for "what you do to the least of my brethren, you do unto me" (Mt. 25:35, 40). "We believe that the current immigration system contributes to human suffering and therefore we have a duty to point out the moral consequences of a broken system."

The complete text of the New Mexico bishops’ statement can be found by here