STATEMENT BY ARCHBISHOP JOSÉ H. GOMEZ ON IMMIGRATION ISSUES
January 22, 2025  |  By:   |  Press Releases  |  

Statements and actions from the new administration in Washington have caused fear in our parishes, schools, and communities. That is not good for anybody. I pray that our leaders will proceed with restraint and compassion, with respect for the law, and with respect for the rights and dignity of all concerned.

 

No one wants violent criminals living in our communities. But any enforcement actions should be prudent, and should be matched by immediate action in Congress to fix our immigration system, which has been broken for decades now.

 

For Catholics, immigration is not a political issue. It is a matter of our deeply held religious beliefs. Jesus Christ commanded us to love God as our Father and to love our brothers and sisters, especially the most vulnerable, and regardless of what country they came from or how they got here. Our love for Jesus compels us to continue our works of love and service in our parishes, schools, and other ministries.

 

The Catholic Church has long been committed to working with our national leaders for immigration reform that is just and humane. My commitment also continues, and we look forward to working with the new administration and Congress.

 

In this current moment of uncertainty, the U.S. bishops have provided good practical guidance. We have gathered this guidance and other resources on our website. Please visit: lacatholics.org/immigration/.

 

May Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mother of Jesus and Mother of all the peoples of the Americas, keep us close to her Son in this moment. And may she help us to work together as neighbors, in a spirit of unity, to truly become one nation under God.

 

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