Denver Catholic

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Immigration is a phenomenon America has experienced countless times over the centuries and with each wave of new arrivals to our shores comes a discussion of how we should react. Because what is decided about our immigration laws will have long-lasting material and spiritual consequences, we have decided to write this pastoral letter to emphasize some of the moral principles that should be considered in the discussion. Before going into details, however, we want to make clear that this letter should not be seen as an endorsement of any specific legislation currently being considered. Too often what starts as good legislation ends up tarnished by all the add-ons legislators make. America needs to reform its immigration laws across the board, but establishing the specifics of those new regulations is the job of lawmakers, not pastors. Our job is to teach about the moral values that should shape those laws, and that is what this letter aims to accomplish. In a particular way, we hope that this letter will help form and guide the consciences of Catholics – especially those who hold public offices – and others of good will. A CATHOLIC WORLDVIEW The shift in size and ethnic diversity of the U.S. population over the past 50 years has been very significant. In 1965, 85 percent of the population was non-Hispanic/Latino-Whites.1 By 2050, whites are officially predicted to be a minority, in a population that will have increased to nearly 600 million from its current size of 316 million.2 1 Campbell Gibson and Kay Jung, U. S. Census Bureau, Historical Census Statistics on Population Totals By Race, 1790 to 1990, and By Hispanic Origin, 1970 to 1990, For The United States, Regions, Divisions, and States. Washington, D.C., Sept. 2002. 2 U.S. Census Bureau, 2012 National Population Projections, Washington, D.C., Dec. 12, 2012. 2

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