This paper examines U.S. humanitarian, refugee, and immigration policies in light of Catholic Social Teaching (CST). It outlines the biblical roots of the Catholic Church’s enduring concern for migrants and broad themes that undergird its migration-related teachings. It sets forth a framework –“freedom” or “right” to stay, migrate, and return– to assess policy and programmatic responses to refugees and forced migrants. It analyzes through the lens of CST the ideologies and migration policies championed by the second Trump administration, particularly its mass, indiscriminate deportation program and its evisceration of humanitarian assistance and protection programs. It ends with a reflection on the Church’s hopeful vision of refugees, forced migrants, and immigrants, rooted in witness and Scripture.

You can read the full piece here.

Written by JRS/USA’s Vice President of Advocacy, Partnerships, and Research. Originally published by Canopy Forum.