Defend Dignity: Support Humane U.S. Immigration Policies

Catholic social teaching affirms the inherent dignity of every human being and the moral duty to protect the vulnerable. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) recognizes that nations have a right to secure their borders and protect their residents. But they insist that immigration policy must be “targeted, proportional, and humane” and focused on those who pose real threats—not those fleeing persecution or building stable lives.

The bishops further advocate for:

• Strong humanitarian protection programs
• Due process for individuals in removal proceedings
• Legal pathways to permanent residency and citizenship

Jesuit Refugee Service/USA urges you to raise your voice in defense of these principles.

Today, those values are under threat. Policies have been proposed or enacted that would:

• Strip legal status from law-abiding residents from countries such as Afghanistan, Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela—putting them at risk of harm;
• Deport individuals to third countries (not their own) without due process, where they may face inhumane conditions or death;
• Impose excessive application fees for asylum and other humanitarian relief, pricing out the very people these programs are meant to protect;
• Enact burdensome vetting and screening requirements that delay or block immigrants from working, reuniting with family, or seeking lawful permanent status.

These actions undermine both Catholic and humanitarian values. We must act.

Take action today to urge the White House and Congress to reject these harmful proposals and support fair, compassionate, and life-saving immigration policies.