AMERICA/UNITED STATES - Bishops criticise immigration law that “perpetuates an underclass of workers without full rights”

Washington (Agenzia Fides) - Bishop John Wester of Salt Lake City, Chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' (USCCB) Committee on Migration, and Bishop Jaime Soto, coadjutor bishop of Sacramento and Chairman of Catholic Legal Immigration Network (CLINIC) have sent a letter to the Secretary of Homeland Security, Michael Chertoff, and undersecretary, Julie Myers, expressing concern regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE's) intensified enforcement activities and the protocols followed for such actions.
"The decision to prohibit undocumented immigrants from receiving tax rebates in the stimulus bill highlights the injustice in our immigration system. It proves that these workers pay into the tax system and help support our economy. It also reveals the hypocrisy of our laws. With one hand our government attempts to deport these workers, but with the other it holds tight the taxes they pay into the system. This perpetuates an underclass of workers without full rights. We should not accept the fruits of the labour of these workers at the same time we refuse to provide them the protection of our laws. As a democratic and free nation protective of human rights, we cannot have it both ways. Congress must mend a broken system and show the courage to enact comprehensive immigration reform."
The Bishops consider the fact that “although the ICE recently issued guidance regarding worksite enforcement operations, we believe that the guidance falls short of what is necessary.” With this in mind, the Bishops urge authorities to adopt additional protocols including:
Refraining from conducting enforcement activities in certain areas, such as at or near churches, hospitals, community health centres, schools, food banks, or other community-based organisations that provide charitable social services.
Suspending immigration enforcement activities in the wake of natural or man-made disasters.
Releasing primary caregivers following an enforcement action.
Facilitating access to legal counsel and avoiding the transfer of individuals outside the community.
Implementing mechanisms for locating family members detained as a result of enforcement actions.(RG) (Agenzia Fides 21/2/2008; righe 31, parole 323)