In a letter to migrants dated December 12, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, thirty-three U.S. Hispanic/Latino Catholic bishops expressed their solidarity with and concern for undocumented immigrants in the United States. (Read the letter in English or Spanish).

“In your suffering faces we see the true face of Jesus Christ,” the bishops wrote.  “We are well aware of the great sacrifice you make for your families’ well-being.  Despite your contributions to the well-being of our country, instead of receiving our thanks, you are often treated as criminals because you have violated current immigration laws.”

The U.S. Catholic bishops have long advocated for changes in U.S. immigration laws, including the establishment of a path to citizenship for the estimated 11 million undocumented persons currently in the country.  In their letter, the Hispanic Catholic bishops reaffirmed the commitment of the Church in the United States to advocate for just reform in U.S. immigration policy.

“Immigrants are a revitalizing force for our country.  The lack of a just, humane and effective reform of immigration laws negatively affects the common good of the entire United States,” they wrote.

The Hispanic bishops also deplored the separation of immigrant families due to immigration enforcement actions across the nation.

“We are also very aware of the pain suffered by those families who have experienced the deportation of one of their members.  We know of the anxiety of those whose application process for permanent residency is close to completion and of the anguish of those who live daily under the threat of deportation.  This situation cries out to God for a worthy and humane solution,” they wrote.

The bishops, aware of the suffering incurred by persons who migrate illegally, asked migrants and their families to seriously consider whether it is more advisable to remain home rather than take the risk of migration until changes occur in U.S. immigration laws.

“As pastors concerned with your welfare, we ask you to consider whether it is advisable to undertake the journey here until after just and humane changes occur in our immigration laws,” they said.

However, the Hispanic bishops concluded with a message of hope to the migrants, promising their prayers and urging them to keep faith in God.

“We urge you not to despair.  Keep faith in Jesus the migrant who continues to walk beside you,” they concluded. “May Almighty God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, accompany you and bless you always.”