The migration phenomenon, whereby masses of people move from their place of origin to another in search of better living conditions and with the intention of settling temporarily or permanently, has occurred throughout human history, in all corners of the globe. It is a complex issue involving multiple causes and characteristics, both globally and in the United States of America.

Human migration occurs due to the attraction of destinations or the expulsion from places of origin and has a global impact, both on the societies where the exodus originates and on the societies that receive those who migrate. Today, the complexity of the migration phenomenon has increased and has been overwhelmed by new factors to consider, such as climate change and new and growing geopolitical conflicts.

In 2022, the recent immigrant population in the United States reached 14% of the population. This represents a huge number of people, from very diverse backgrounds, seeking economic and social security and stability, and, in many cases, family reunification.

Since the presidency of R. Reagan, when he granted amnesty to almost three million undocumented migrants in 1986 with the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA), forty years have passed in which successive political campaigns and governments, with rotations between the two traditional parties of this nation, have taken advantage of the immigration issue for electoral purposes, have mocked and played with the hopes of the masses, and have not effectively and definitively resolved the situation of millions of migrants who work honestly, contribute their labor force to the progress of the United States, pay taxes, but live in the shadows and without being able to enjoy full rights, security, protection, and opportunities as citizens.

All of which has led us to our current situation: a failed and broken immigration system, with a government that won elections on the pretext of solving the immigration issue once and for all. But the cure—so far—has been worse than the disease. Because government policies have consisted of the callous and indiscriminate deportation of anyone who doesn’t fit the phenotype of the dominant culture (blond, blue eyes, tall, etc.).

These are mass, unscrupulous expulsions, preceded and accompanied by hate speech, racism, prejudice, and all kinds of abuse and ignominy, to prisons in countries other than the deportees country of origin, in violation of legal processes and the basic, fundamental, and civil rights of those deported.

It is true that every nation has the right to protect its citizens and that among the vast masses of migrant population that have entered the United States, there have come social misfits, people who lie, abuse, take advantage, deceive, defraud, and embezzle government social assistance programs, violent people who have committed crimes, and, in doing so, have changed the norm, the profile, and the tradition of the vast majority of migrants: honest, hardworking men and women, always willing to give their best for the nation that receives them.

But the solution to the few deceitful and violent individuals cannot be the violence of a petulant and domineering government that represses indiscriminately and, therefore, attacks innocent people and the vast majority of immigrants who do and have done so much good for the United States for so many decades.

Faced with such governmental actions, we ask ourselves: Where are, and where do the Gospel values and principles that we “Christians,” the vast majority of Americans, profess in this nation? Where are forgiveness, compassion, and fraternal solidarity?

Against these outrages and absurdities, against these abuses and excesses, these outrages and senselessness, this violence and barbarity in the decisions and behavior of government entities against immigrants, the National Conference of Catholic Bishops of the United States has spoken out – on many and diverse occasions – in permanent defense and support of immigrants, against executive actions, calling for legal support, solidarity, compassion, encounter and immigration reform, criticizing policies that violate humanitarian actions, reaffirming the evangelizing work of the Church as a “work of mercy.”

As spokespersons for this position of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, I highlight the recent work and messages of Archbishops Thomas G. Wenski and Timothy P. Broglio, president of the Conference, who said on June 16: “As your pastors, your fears resonate in our hearts, and we feel your pain as our own. Count on the commitment of all of us to accompany you in this difficult time.” (See USCCB website)

As a humanist and as a Christian, I join the cry of the Catholic bishops of this nation, and I believe I echo the millions of migrants who, for many years, with honesty, great sacrifice, and hard work, have built the greatness of this nation.

Solutions to the complex problems posed by the migration phenomenon in the United States require a comprehensive, multifaceted, and balanced approach that takes into account both the root causes of migration and its impacts on the destination country. This involves a system of strategies that address issues such as border security, legal issues and immigration reform, international cooperation, especially from countries of origin and international organizations, humanitarian aid, the fight against human trafficking networks, integration of immigrants into society and the new culture, and government policies that recognize the valuable contributions immigrants make to American society.

We all know that this nation owes its present to the glorious past made possible by immigrants from all over the world. Enough with the pronouncements and mistreatment, enough with the electoral and political games, enough with the degrading and failed actions against immigrants. We all deserve respect and justice, especially in a nation that prides itself on being a standard-bearer and model of democracy and respect for human rights around the world.