Senators take up immigration; groups urge law respect human dignity

Published: 2005-10-20

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The secretary of Homeland Security told a Senate committee that parts of the U.S. immigration enforcement system have "nearly collapsed under the weight of numbers," while the Labor secretary said that the current system for legally hiring immigrant workers is "complex and burdensome." Meanwhile, in a joint statement, Catholic and other religious groups were among those advocating for immigration law changes that reunite families, protect human rights and offer ways for illegal immigrants to "come out of the shadows." That statement and an Oct. 18 hearing of the Senate Judiciary Committee marked a return of congressional attention to legislation for major changes in immigration law and policy. President George W. Bush first proposed general immigration changes in 2001 but has never offered concrete legislation. In the last few months, two Senate bills have been the focus of most of the legislative efforts and were cited frequently at the Judiciary Committee hearing. The interfaith statement signed by dozens of national and local organizations argued that the diverse faith traditions of the United States call for welcoming immigrants with love and compassion. It also set out principles for any legislation.

Copyright (c) 2005 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .