Journey to Justice: A Catholic Vision of Immigration
The economy
This will probably be the longest part of our journey. Again, many would want to use the economy as a tool to form an opinion on immigration. I do not believe this is wise. I believe that the economy forms part of the terrain through which we must travel. Here the path can be rather complicated, and we might be tempted to mistake this place for our actual destination. If we do this, we will find a false paradise. We will see the interests of the human person being subordinated to those of the economy or, if you will, to bottom-line concerns for profit.
Let’s enjoy some of the bread of Scripture to help us through the economic landscape. The story is recounted of the disciples of Jesus walking through a field of grain on the Sabbath, picking as they went. (See Mk 2:23�28.) Jesus is not accused of picking the grain; nevertheless, he defends his disciples in their need. He explains that the “sabbath was made for humankind, and not humankind for the sabbath.” The Sabbath, which is a religious institution, was meant for the well-being of human beings. Can we not say the same thing for the economy? If the global economy does not meet the needs of human beings, then their needs supersede other considerations. Let’s see how this might apply to actual circumstances.
Three teachings of the Church on immigration are intimately related. First, individuals have the right to find employment opportunities in their homeland. Second, individuals have the right to migrate to support themselves and their families. Finally, nations have the right to control their borders. Many seek to absolutize this last teaching. But border control is always tempered by the first two. Wisely, the bishops link the immigration question to the fight against global poverty. Since we are participating members in the global economy, the bishops call for a globalization of solidarity to ensure that the economy continues to serve the real needs of people, especially the poor. Seeking investment and job development in sending nations would go a long way in reducing the flow of immigrants.
Pope John Paul II called this global economy the North-South contrast, the richer nations of the Northern Hemisphere and the poorer nations of the Southern Hemisphere. Referring to Matthew 25 and the Final Judgment at the end of the world, the Pope also commented that it would be these poorer nations of the South who would judge the nations of the North for monopolizing economic supremacy at the expense of other nations (homily in Canadian airport, September 1984). These are strong words that must be taken seriously. Because of this great wealth we must also accept the responsibilities that come as a consequence.
Another biblical image to add here is that of the rich man and Lazarus. (See Lk 16:19�31.) There is a surprising development in this parable after both the rich man and Lazarus have died. The poor man rests in the bosom of Abraham and points out to the rich man that a great chasm has been established to prevent people from crossing from one side to the other. This image of the great chasm between the poor and rich comes to mind as more suggestions are made to extend the wall and fence along the U.S. and Mexico border.
The global economy requires new and sustained vigilance on the part of Christians and other people of goodwill to ensure that it fully serves the needs of the human person. The walking stick of Catholic social teaching guides us well in this regard, reminding us that the human person and the dignity of the human person always come first.