Catholic Bishops on Pathways to Citizenship St. Anthony Human Concerns

The U.S. Catholic Bishops have been thinking about, praying over, and writing on immigration since the 1920s! Here we explore the third element of their publication titled Catholic Elements of Immigration Reform, published in January 2025.

Element 3: Long-time residents should have an earned pathway to citizenship

Some mistakenly believe that providing legal residency status to long-time undocumented residents significantly increases illegal immigration. However, the number of undocumented immigrants has remained between 10 and 12 million since 2005.

One-third of undocumented immigrants came to the U.S. as children.
Approximately half of the U.S. agricultural work force, about 300,000, are undocumented.
A large majority of undocumented immigrants, an estimated 80%, have lived in the U.S. for over a decade.
Undocumented immigrants contribute an estimated $100 billion in federal, state, and local taxes each year.

“Providing legal processes for long-time residents and other undocumented immigrants to regularize their status would strengthen the American economy, provide stability to communities, and keep families together.”

Have you heard of “Dreamers”? Deferred Action for Child Arrivals (DACA) provided residency privileges to the children who came to the U.S. before age 16 and have lived here continuously since June 15, 2007 (“Dreamers”). These privileges must be renewed every two years. Many of these “Dreamers” are now adults who pay taxes, own homes and businesses.

The Bishops advocate for an earned pathway to citizenship for long-time residents. When do you think it is reasonable to grant citizenship to long-time residents including the “Dreamers”?

“You shall allot it (land) as an inheritance for yourselves and for the aliens who reside among you and have begotten children among you. They shall be to you as citizens of Israel; with you they shall be allotted an inheritance among the tribes of Israel.” —Ezekiel 47:22 (NRSV - New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition)

Over the next weeks, please return to learn the remaining elements and ponder related questions.

Join us to gain a clearer understanding of how immigration, policy and human dignity intersect at Immigration: Facts, Fiction and Faith with Darryl Morin, National President of Forward Latino. St. Anthony on the Lake, Wednesday, February 4th, 6:30 - 8:30pm.