Helping strangers involves immigration reform, say Indiana bishops

Published: 2007-01-18

INDIANAPOLIS (CNS) -- In a pastoral letter on the treatment of immigrants, Indiana's bishops asked Catholics "to welcome others as Christ himself" and support comprehensive immigration reform measures. This welcoming includes support for nationwide legislation that provides "earned legalization for undocumented persons," a temporary worker program and reduced waiting times for the reunification of immigrant families, said the Jan. 12 letter. The bishops also addressed public policy issues in Indiana. They asked state legislators to allow "driver's permits for undocumented immigrants who must drive to work in order to feed and clothe their families; driver's permits needed for securing automobile license and insurance; a broader process for immigrants to obtain legal documents for ownership of property beyond the Bureau of Motor Vehicles." They also urged lawmakers to provide "access to health care and education for immigrant children, and equal access to protective and emergency services for immigrants."

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