Israel Centeno

In an era of mass migration, border security, and political polarization, the Catholic Church’s stance on immigration remains a matter of moral and social reflection. The Church recognizes the legitimate autonomy of sovereign nations, understanding that states must secure their borders and uphold national interests. However, it also calls for policies guided by ethical principles, justice, and compassion.

The Church’s Solidarity with Victims of Violence

The Catholic Church stands in solidarity with all victims of violence—regardless of their origin. The rise in cartel-driven drug trafficking, the fentanyl crisis devastating American communities, and the criminal activities of both foreign and domestic gangs present a severe humanitarian challenge. Pope Francis has emphasized the moral imperative to welcome and integrate migrants and refugees while simultaneously acknowledging the necessity of combating organized crime and transnational drug networks.

Understanding the Complexity of Violence in the United States

Violence in the United States is a multifaceted issue that cannot be solely attributed to immigration. Urban centers such as Chicago have seen crime waves that stem not just from migration but from systemic problems—gang warfare, economic disparity, and the breakdown of the nuclear family. According to FBI data, homicide rates saw a 6% national decrease in 2022, but certain areas remain plagued by persistent crime. Any discussion on migration and violence must acknowledge these nuances.

The Church’s Position on Migration and Security

The Catholic Church’s stance on immigration is rooted in a balance between justice and charity. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (n. 2241) states that nations have the right to regulate immigration and protect their borders. However, it also calls for humane treatment of migrants seeking safety and sustenance. This dual perspective underscores the importance of both national security and human dignity.

Challenges at the Border: A Shared Responsibility

The crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border is not solely America’s burden. Migrants—many of whom flee economic hardship, persecution, or cartel-controlled regions—are often exploited by traffickers and criminal organizations long before they reach American soil. The issue is not just about border security; it is about holding governments in countries of origin and transit accountable for their failure to protect their citizens. A comprehensive approach requires stronger enforcement against human smuggling and more robust diplomatic efforts to prevent these mass migrations from happening in the first place.

The Political Divide: Contrasting Views on Immigration

The immigration debate in the United States is deeply polarized. Conservatives stress the need for stronger border enforcement and law application to safeguard national sovereignty and security. Meanwhile, liberal policymakers advocate for pathways to legalization, leniency in deportation, and broader asylum protections. For any meaningful reform to take place, these divergent views must be reconciled through pragmatic policy-making.

The Pope vs. Vice President JD Vance: A Clash of Perspectives

A significant debate has emerged between Pope Francis and U.S. Vice President JD Vance regarding immigration policies. In a letter to American bishops, Pope Francis condemned large-scale deportations under President Trump’s administration, arguing that linking illegal immigration to criminality is morally wrong. He further warned against using Christianity to justify nationalism and explicitly rejected Vance’s interpretation of ordo amoris (the “order of love”).

Vance, however, did not hold back in his response. The Vice President reaffirmed the United States’ sovereign right to protect its borders and questioned the financial interests of religious organizations that benefit from federal refugee resettlement programs. His remarks challenged the moral authority of bishops advocating for open-border policies while neglecting the consequences of illegal immigration on working-class Americans.

Vice President Vance’s European Tour: A Warning to Allies

Beyond U.S. borders, Vice President Vance has voiced concerns about the European Union’s migration crisis. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, he cautioned European leaders against what he described as a “threat from within,” referring to the erosion of democratic values and the failure of migration policies. He criticized censorship and the lack of assimilation among migrants, arguing that these issues endanger Western civilization’s stability.

Deportation Figures: The Democrats’ Double Standard

While many on the left decry current deportation policies, historical records reveal a different picture:

• Barack Obama (2009-2017): Deported nearly 3 million undocumented immigrants, earning him the title “Deporter-in-Chief.”

• George W. Bush (2001-2009): Oversaw the deportation of 10 million individuals.

• Joe Biden (2021-present): Deportation numbers have reached their highest levels since 2014, surpassing those under the Trump administration.

Despite their rhetoric, Democratic leaders have historically overseen some of the most aggressive deportation policies, making their outrage over recent enforcement efforts appear selective and politically motivated.

Considering the Kingdom of Heaven: The Higher Order Beyond Borders

Beyond politics and national concerns, the migration debate must also be understood through the lens of the Kingdom of Heaven. Christ himself was a refugee in Egypt, fleeing persecution, and he taught that the ultimate citizenship to which we belong is not of this world (John 18:36). This does not negate the role of the state in securing borders and maintaining order, but it does call for an awareness that human life is transient, and national boundaries, while necessary, are not eternal.

In the Gospel, Jesus warns that hospitality toward the stranger is one of the criteria by which humanity will be judged (Matthew 25:35-40). However, this call to love the stranger does not imply a borderless world but rather a moral responsibility to seek justice. True Christian charity does not mean enabling human trafficking, the exploitation of the vulnerable, or the erasure of nations—it means ordering love according to divine justice.

The Kingdom of Heaven transcends political divisions. While governments must act prudently to secure their nations, Christians are called to see beyond immediate political concerns and recognize a greater reality: one in which love, justice, and truth reign supreme. The Church’s role is not to dictate immigration policy but to remind nations that, in the end, all governance is temporary. The real citizenship worth striving for is the one Christ offers—a Kingdom where peace is not negotiated by laws but fulfilled in divine grace.

Conclusion: A Call for Balanced Policy and a Higher Perspective

Navigating the intersection of faith, politics, and migration is no easy task. The Catholic Church upholds the dignity of every human being, including migrants, but it must also acknowledge the real security concerns nations face. True justice requires a balance—protecting the vulnerable while ensuring the rule of law is upheld.

As Vice President Vance pointedly remarked, “Compassion without order is chaos. Law without justice is tyranny. America must find the balance.”

Yet beyond national security, Christians must also remember that no earthly kingdom lasts forever. Whether a person is a native-born citizen or a refugee, what matters most is whether they are preparing for the only citizenship that endures—their place in the Kingdom of God.

The future of immigration policy in the United States depends on finding a balance that honors both moral obligations and national interests. But ultimately, the future of every soul depends on recognizing the true homeland that awaits beyond this world.