U.S. Bishops Back Immigration Reform Plan

WASHINGTON, D.C., JULY 19, 2005 (Zenit.org).- A U.S. bishops' conference official expressed support for the Secure America and Orderly Immigration Act of 2005.

"The legislation seeks to repair the current U.S. immigration system, a system which is broken and needs reform," said Bishop Gerald Barnes, chairman of the episcopal Committee on Migration, in a statement today.

"This legislative proposal best reflects principles for immigration reform set forth by the United States bishops," the prelate said in a statement released July 19. The legislation was introduced in Congress last May.

"The Secure America and Orderly Immigration Act of 2005 represents a comprehensive and bipartisan approach to reforming our broken immigration system," Bishop Barnes stated.

"It creates legal avenues for migrant workers to enter the United States in a safe and orderly manner," he said. "It provides an opportunity for immigrants in the United States to work toward permanent residency. It also provides additional visas for families to be reunited through the family preference system."

He added: "This legislative proposal best reflects principles for immigration reform set forth by the United States bishops."

Bishop Barnes expressed a desire to work with the sponsors of the legislation and others to include additional important provisions to the measure.

These would include additional labor protections in the essential worker program for both U.S. and foreign workers; mechanisms to ensure that migrants are treated humanely by enforcement personnel; and provisions which allow for the involvement of community organizations in the implementation of the new program.