U.S. Bishops' Migration Chairman Addresses Future of Immigration Reform

December 21, 2021

WASHINGTON-As another year concludes without enactment of meaningful immigration reform, Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville, auxiliary bishop of Washington and chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' (USCCB) Committee on Migration, issued the following statement:

“As an essential component of any immigration reform, we have long urged Congress and the President to work together to enact legislation that provides permanent protections-including a pathway to citizenship-for our undocumented brothers and sisters. There is strong support among the American people for congressional action on immigration. Meanwhile, the inability of political leaders to come together and reach consensus on positive, forward-looking immigration legislation has grave consequences for human lives and the wellbeing of this country.

“While the road ahead is uncertain, the present reality remains clear: the status quo cannot stand. Almost half of the 11 million undocumented persons living in the United States today have lived here for at least 15 years. Many others are receiving temporary protections but lack access to permanent solutions. They are mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters. They are essential workers, homeowners, and entrepreneurs. Most importantly, they are persons created equally in God's image, imbued with a potential far beyond the limits of their current immigration status.

“In the year ahead, we will continue to pray for and work toward a solution that provides immediate relief to the undocumented members of our society. We maintain our longstanding call for Congress to work on a bipartisan basis to promote the full integration of undocumented persons and to create a more sustainable immigration system, consistent with the common good. During this season of anticipation and longing, let us go forth with renewed hope, and may Our Lady of Guadalupe, mother to all, inspire universal devotion to this fraternal cause.”

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