"God’s love transcends every human barrier, language, culture, and country border. The Gospel calls us to welcome immigrants with compassion and hopeful expectation. “ I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” (Matt. 25:35). These words challenge each of us to see the dignity and sacredness of God that is reflected through people of all cultures and nations, regardless of legal status.
Pope John Paul II stated: “Who is my neighbor? The neighbor is every human being, without exception. It is not necessary to ask his nationality, or to which social or religious group he belongs. If he is in need, he must be helped...
We believe each person has opportunities to reach out in welcome to immigrant workers. Consider the following questions:
•• Are we as a society, as church, as employers, as consumers treating immigrants with dignity and justice?
•• Do my own attitudes toward immigrants reflect God’s love and concern for all persons?
•• How am I involved in reaching out to new immigrants in support of their pastoral and material needs?
•• What am I willing to do on behalf of the justice needs of immigrants?"
God’s Welcoming Presence: A Call To Stand In Solidarity With Ohio’s Immigrants, Ohio Catholic Bishops, February 2001
Archbishop Schnurr joins with other Cincinnati area faith leaders on shared principles to guide Ohio's conversation on immigration. June 22, 2011
Archbishop Schnurr statement on Immigration. June 22, 2011
Shared Principles on Immigration. Metropolitan Area Religious Coalition of Cincinnati
In the last legislative session two bills were passed in the Ohio Senate enhancing the state’s ability to help federal officers enforce immigration laws. The Catholic Conference of Ohio acknowledges the right of the state to pursue such partnerships. We continue, however, to have questions and concerns over whether such legislation is needed and helpful.
Judicious Restraint
Since the federal government is currently implementing enhanced enforcement measures throughout Ohio and the country, Ohio should show judicious restraint in pursuing additional state enforcement legislation.
Proportional & Respectful: Avoid Profiling
Increased state enforcement of immigration laws by local law enforcement officers should be proportional to the need, avoid profiling, and respect the human rights and dignity of all persons. Special care should be given to preserving families and providing humane treatment throughout the process.
State Study Commission
An Ohio study commission should be established prior to pursuing state enforcement legislation. The study commission should be comprised of interested parties including federal and state officials, business and religious leaders, and worker representatives.
Civility & Prayerful Reflection
There is a need in Ohio for greater civility, thoughtful discussion and prayerful reflection regarding societal attitudes and approaches toward immigrant workers. Immigrant workers provide important and necessary contributions to the common good of our state through the work they perform and the taxes they pay.
Catholic Conference of Ohio's Talking Points on Ohio Enforcement Legislation 6/11
Pending Ohio Legislation
SB 42: Specifies that it is an unlawful discriminatory practice for any law enforcement agency or officer in Ohio to engage in racial profiling and to require the Ohio Civil Rights Commission to compile and analyze data regarding this issue.
SB 98: Directs the Attorney General to pursue a memorandum of agreement with federal officials permitting the enforcement in this state of federal immigration laws, both criminal and civil, including the apprehension, detention, and investigation of illegal aliens located in this state.
HB 252: Specifies that a prosecutor pursue the legal status of a felony offender and if the offender is determined to be an illegal alien to notify the offenderʼs employer (job), Jobs and Family Services (public benefits), the registrar of Motor Vehicles (drivers license), and the Secretary of state (voting).
HCR 11: Expresses support of the efforts in Arizona to control illegal immigration.
DREAM Act
DREAM ACT FAILS IN SENATE. BILL MUST BE RE-INTRODUCED NEXT YEAR.
More
Comprehensive Immigration Reform
Comprehensive reform has stalled at the federal level.
USCCB Testimony on Ethical Imperative for Reform of our Immigration System. Bishop Kicanas. July 14, 2010
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and Catholic organizations nationwide have formed the Catholic Campaign for Comprehensive Immigration Reform which supports the following:
• a path to citizenship for the 10-12 million undocumented people in the U.S.;
• reform of our employment-based immigration system, so that migrant workers can enter the United States and work in a safe, regulated and humane manner;
• reform of the family-based immigration system, so that waiting times or backlogs to reunite families are significantly reduced;
• restoration of due process protections for immigrants; and
• policies to address the root causes of migration, such as economic development in poor countries.
News
Statements of Concern Regarding Arizona Immigration Law:
Policy Critique of Arizona’s Immigration Enforcement Law. Justice For Immigrants. 5/13/10
CLINIC Analysis of Amended Arizona Law 5/6/10
Sojourners Response to Arizona Immigration Law 5/6/10
United States Conference Catholic Bishops. 4/27/10
New Mexico Conference of Catholic Bishops 4/26/10
Arizona Religious Leaders Letter 4/19/10
Statements Concerning Immigration
Catholic Conference of Ohio's Testimony on SB 238. May 25, 2010
Columbus Dispatch Article regarding Empathy of Immigrants. May 14, 2010
Bishop Wester, Answering Tough Questions About Immigration. Our Sunday Visitor. 5/16/10
U.S. Bishops urge not using immigration reform to promote same-sex marriage. 4/30/2010
U. S. Bishops Promote Comprehensive Immigration Reform
U. S. Bishops Raise Concerns over Immigration Raids. September 10, 2008
Immigration Raids continue throughout Ohio. Recent raids at Casa Fiesta restaurants.
2008 National Immigration Conference summary and Bishop statements.
Church Officials Decry Failure of Immigration Reform, June 29, 2007.
United States Catholic Bishops' Statement of Concern
Ohio Bishops Urge Support of Federal Immigration Reform, June 27, 2007
Ohio Catholic Bishops Concerns Regarding Ohio Immigration Reform
Catholic Conference of Ohio's Talking Points on Ohio Enforcement Legislation 3/11
Bishop Blair, Diocese of Toledo: The Lord Your God Loves the Stranger Aug. 2010
Undocumented Immigrants - Why we the faithful need to get involved. Most Reverend Roger Gries, Auxiliary Bishop, Catholic Diocese of Cleveland, 12/2009
Ohio Bishops' statement of concern, Regional ICE office, January 2009
Catholic Conference of Ohio Immigration Update. September 2008
Catholic Conference of Ohio Statement of Concern regarding Ohio Immigration Enforcement Legislation. February 2008
Catholic Conference Letter to U. S. Senators, May 5, 2007
Catholic Universe Bulletin, Diocese of Cleveland, September 22, 2006 Story on HB 654
Letter from the Catholic Bishops of Ohio to Legislative Leaders prior to Introduction of HB 654.
Summary points of the Ohio Bishops' Letter to Legislative Leaders regarding Immigration.
Background Attachments sent to Legislative Leaders with Bishops' Letter.
Links
Catholic Campaign for Immigration Reform
USCCB Migration and Refugee Services
FLOC: Farm Labor Organizing Committee.
Educational Resources on Immigration Reform
The American Catholic History Classroom. May, 2010
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Migration and Refugee Services (USCCB/MRS) has partnered with The Catholic University of America to develop an educational Website that highlights the significant role that the U.S. Catholic bishops and the institutional Church in the United States have played on immigration related issues, especially since the early twentieth century.
Prayer and Reflection Resource. Catholic Conference of Ohio . February 2008.
A Million Prayers for Comprehensive Immigration Reform
Bulletin Insert on Catholic Social Teaching & Immigration. Developed by Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good & Pax Christi USA
Ohio Catholic Bishops' Immigration Statement: God's Welcoming Presence (February, 2001)
Educational Materials on Immigration Reform (USCCB's Justice for Immigrants Project)
United States Catholic Bishops' Justice for Immigrants Campaign.
Additional Resources/ Articles
May, 2010. New Green Card Design
Columbus Dispatch Series on Immigration in Ohio, September 2008
Immigration Detention & Removal: A Guide for Detainees & Their Families
Hospitals no longer required to ask immigration status.
Mt. Olive Pickle Boycott Ends- Farmworkers and Growers reach agreement
Tri-diocesan Trip to Guatemala and Dominican Republic, August 2004 - Article by Brian Corbin, Executive Director, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Youngstown
By a Back Door to the US: A Migrant's Grim Sea Voyage - New York Times, June 13, 2004 (used by permission)
Immigrant Workers in Ohio Survey Results - We Gather and Stand Together Project
Talking Points in Support of Driver's License Revisions for Immigrant Workers, Ohio Coalition for Licensed Drivers
Need More Information
Contact Jim Tobin, 614-224-7147
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