Archbishop Wenski: Reform Immigration & Engage Voters

Archbishop Thomas Wenski of Miami joined other Catholic leaders nationwide on September 11 for a briefing on immigration reform and the role of Catholic voters. The discussion, featuring theologians and representatives from Catholic advocacy organizations, focused on encouraging faithful citizenship and advocating for humane immigration policies.

Wenski highlighted the U.S. bishops' document “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship” as a guide for voters, stressing the importance of casting ballots. "We have to just keep on telling people in the pews to vote," he said. He noted that many eligible citizens do not vote and urged everyone to exercise this right.

The briefing also addressed the pastoral impact of current immigration enforcement. Father Juan de la Cruz Turcios, a parochial vicar at St. Camillus Church in Silver Spring, Maryland, shared how fear has increased among immigrants in his multicultural parish. He described needing to carry his U.S. passport card at all times, even for simple errands, explaining, "Never before in my life—I've been living in the United States for almost 30 years—never before in my life have I had to carry my passport card just to go to the 7-Eleven around the corner. Yes, because I am a target too, even though I'm a priest."

Wenski emphasized the Church's long-standing commitment to humane immigration policies. "We've been involved in immigration from the beginning of the Church in this country, because immigration is the story of the Catholic Church," he stated. He affirmed the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' unified stance, noting they vote "almost 100% in favor of protection for immigrants and for a broader reform of our nation's failed and inadequate immigration policies." He added that current laws have been given "new teeth," creating strong headwinds.

The bishops support reforms including earned pathways to citizenship, preventing family separation, upholding due process, and protecting sensitive locations like houses of worship. The discussion also covered ensuring eligible voters can access polling places without fear of enforcement actions. Joseph Tomás McKellar of Catholics in Communion announced the group's plan to have "poll chaplains" available for voters concerned about ballot access.