Rob Harbin

Friends, Catholic social teaching holds two things together: a nation has the right, and the duty, to regulate its borders, and every migrant is a person of incomparable dignity who deserves generosity. In January, amid the tensions in Minnesota, I proposed that enforcement focus on those who have committed serious crimes. Last year, together with my brother bishops of Minnesota, I called on Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform. What the President described Sunday in his 60 Minutes interview about immigration is very much in that spirit. The President now proposes working with Democrats toward a solution that involves a properly regulated border, the deportation of people who have committed serious crimes, and a generous approach toward those who have been non-violent and have contributed to the economy. He even admitted that the enforcement of his immigration policy has been too tough. That is the balance the Church’s teaching points toward. We have waited years for a solution to this thorny problem. I would strongly encourage leaders in both parties to take advantage of this extraordinary opportunity.