Migration a human right

Thank you for your recent article “The ‘Francis Factor’: For pope, immigration ‘part of his own story'" (April 4). For most of us here in the United States, immigration is part of our story. Our ancestors came here for the same reasons people come today: to escape oppression, violence, religious persecution or poverty. They came seeking a better life for themselves and their children.

Many who oppose comprehensive immigration reform acknowledge their immigrant roots, but insist that their ancestors came through the proper channels as opposed to the 11 million undocumented people living in the U.S. However, this argument doesn’t take into consideration the way our country’s immigration system has changed over the past century. Limits established in the last 50 years have restricted immigration to the United States. Migration is difficult and expensive, if not impossible, for many.

Comprehensive immigration reform legislation was passed by the U.S. Senate nearly a year ago. This legislation would make many necessary improvements to our immigration process. A comprehensive bill has not been introduced in the House. Instead, piecemeal bills have passed in committees. These prioritize employment-based immigration over family unity, perpetuate harsh enforcement and fail to provide a path to citizenship for the 11 million undocumented people in the U.S

Catholic social teaching tells us that every person has the right to migrate in order to meet basic human needs. Immigration policy that criminalizes the attempt to immigrate goes against this principle. I hope that the House will work this spring to pass a just, compassionate and comprehensive bill that protects our vulnerable neighbors seeking the same basic human rights as our immigrant ancestors.

Sr. Mary Jane Herb, IHM
Monroe

Great new look, features

As longtime subscribers and readers, we would like to commend your new look and the many interesting features of the last issue. I am especially glad to see the educational articles as our faith always needs to grow and be challenged in new ways. Kudos and thank you.

Thomas and Norma Loch

Thank you for the excellent new contributors to The Michigan Catholic. They will certainly help us all to proclaim the Truth as we go forth into the world for the "New Evangelization!" God bless all your endeavors for Christ.

Mary Renkola