WASHINGTON, D.C., JULY 30, 2010 (Zenit.org).- The U.S. bishops’ conference is applauding the decision of a U.S. district court judge to block several key provisions of a controversial immigration law in the state of Arizona, while urging comprehensive immigration reform.
Bishop John Wester of Salt Lake City, the chairman of migration committee of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, said in a statement Thursday that it was the “right decision” for U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton to place a temporary injunction on some provisions of SB 1070, more commonly known as the “Arizona Immigration Law.”
The provisions that were not blocked went into effect Thursday.
“It is the right decision,” Bishop Wester said. “Any law that provides legal cover to profiling affects all members of our communities, including legal residents and citizens.
“It is a very slippery slope. What is needed now is for Congress and the administration to live up to their responsibilities and address this issue by passing immigration reform.”
The U.S. bishops reiterated that immigration reform should include the ability of undocumented workers to seek legal, permanent residency; a worker visa program that offers the option of permanent residency; reduced waiting times for family reunification; and due process protections for immigrants.
The bishops also mentioned the need to address root causes of migration, such as the lack of jobs and opportunities in the home countries of migrants.
