Catholic leaders react to Senate's failed immigration bill

Published: 2007-07-02

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- U.S. Catholic leaders expressed disappointment following the Senate's failure to pass a bill to reform the current immigration system. Speaking on behalf of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Bishop Gerald R. Barnes of San Bernardino, Calif., the chairman of the bishops' Committee on Migration, said June 29 he was "deeply troubled" that legislators were unable to agree upon legislation to reform immigration. "The status quo is morally unacceptable and should not be allowed to stand," he said. "The U.S. bishops shall continue to point out the moral deficiencies in the immigration system and work toward justice until it is achieved." Had it passed, the bill would have established a path toward citizenship for millions of illegal immigrants living in the United States and would have strengthened security along the U.S.-Mexico border. Mostly Republicans -- but some Democrats as well -- voted against ending discussion on the immigration bill June 28, effectively blocking its passage. Opponents of the immigration bill argued that the U.S. borders must first be secured before the government expedited the citizenship process for the estimated 12 million illegal immigrants currently in the country. Analysts have said it is unlikely the immigration issue will resurface for consideration in Congress before the 2008 elections.

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