Immigration Principles and Policy Priorities
Spring 2010

To download a printable (PDF) copy of FAN's immigration principles and

priorities, click here.

The United States continues to face its critical moment in establishing just and humane policy in immigration legislation.  U.S.  policy impacts the lives of 12 million people due to their undocumented status.  The U.S. policy impacts the communities where they live, and the spiritual, social, and economic well-being of the entire country.  Franciscan Action Network (FAN) relies on the great Catholic, Christian, and Franciscan traditions to promote immigration reform that expresses the Gospel message, “…when I was a stranger you welcomed me.” Inspired by Francis’ love of the poor and vulnerable we look to policy priorities.

At present, FAN remains hopeful that the 111th Congress will pass legislation for comprehensive immigration reform this summer.  At the same time we are deeply concerned that leaders and members of both political parties are using immigrants as a means of building support, without actually taking substantive action to improve their lives.  In the light of the recent legislation signed into law by the State of Arizona, our concerns are heightened by a public climate that equates all undocumented persons with violent drug gangs.   We agree that violent criminals need to be stopped, but we cannot equate them to all undocumented persons who broke an unworkable law to care for their families.

The current immigration policy in the United States continues to emphasize enforcement by the Department of Homeland Security.  This one dimensional policy is evidenced by Immigration Custom Enforcement (ICE) raids on places of employment and communities. Though the raids have been less visible because they have been smaller, they are still focused on the wrong people.  Instead of a focus on violent criminals who are in the U.S. illegally, ICE still focuses greatly on the “easy targets,” of families and of neighborhoods with families including women and children.  This enforcement policy treats people violently, deprives them of their dignity and human rights, and splits families.  In many cases, it licenses local officials to enforce federal regulation which in turn, deteriorates respect for the rule of law. Enforcement is sometimes cruel and oppressive.  Family members of immigrants seeking visas face a back-log of years. Abrupt deportation replaces due process and a path to documentation.  

In the spirit of St. Francis, a saint who cherished Christian hospitality, who desired a more fraternal world, and who was particularly attentive to those whom society counted as less.  St. Francis stood against systems and laws that kept people separate and unable to experience community.  In this same spirit, FAN humbly attempts to follow in the footsteps of our Brother Francis in calling for a new way to build community and replacing our broken immigration system.  FAN proposes these essentials in advocating comprehensive immigration reform:   

Immigration reform that is compassionate: “... the soul of Francis melted toward the poor, and to those to whom he could not extend a helping hand, he at least showed his affection.”  (Celano, Second Life, Chapter 5)
FAN advocates policies that promote human rights.  In law enforcement, probable cause as determined by competent federal authorities observing due process in arrest and detention procedures.   Immigration laws should promote, not ignore, the integrity of the family.  FAN favors policies which reunify the family by reducing the wait for immigrant visas.  Immigrants should be able to benefit from basic public services in health and education. Immigrants should feel free to worship where they wish and participate in community life and services.

Immigration reform that is comprehensive and just; “pilgrims and strangers” (1Pt.2:11)(Rule of the Lesser Brothers)

Immigration is a reality that has always been and will always be integral to the development of the United States.  Immigration is recognized as a right in Catholic Social Teaching.  Immigration has had and continues to have a positive social and economic impact on many communities. FAN seeks to build on the great history of immigration which has contributed to the development of our nation.  It is, therefore, in the national interest to put forth the energy to make comprehensive immigration reform a national priority.    FAN favors immigration policy that balances respect for the rule of law and the sovereignty of our nation with the desirable contributions of that immigrant populations make to communities in the country. Penalties should be reasonable, and options and resources for regularized documentation multiple.  Deportation should never occur without due process.

Immigration policy should promote the common good; “… you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork; happy shall you be and favored” (Ps. 127) and “... if anyone was unwilling to work, neither should that one eat” (Thess. 3:10).
Catholic Social Teaching exalts the dignity of work.  A significant portion of the workforce in the United States is composed of immigrant people. Massive deportation has a devastating effect on an already struggling economy.  FAN favors policies that promote the dignity of the worker, just compensation, and humane working conditions. Employers are always expected to comply with state and federal standards relative to compensation, benefits, and taxes.  Permits and authorizations to work in the United States should indeed be regulated but should take into account the current number of jobs supplied by the immigrant population.  Because immigrants work, they contribute to the common good. They enhance the life of the local community by the cultural values they bring and--like everyone else--they bring their resources to the common good.

Each of the lives of the 12 million undocumented persons in the United States is too precious, too much of a reflection of God to allow the current situation to continue.  The status quo is terrible for them and for all U.S. Citizens because it breaks down the potential for relationship and for those who are undocumented to maintain the fullness of human dignity.

Our elected leaders cannot let this immoral system remain.  Action is needed now.