"Bishop Joe S. Vásquez of the Diocese of Austin is the chair of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee on Migration. Migration and Refugee Services assists the bishops in the development and promotion of migration policy positions within the context of the Church's social teaching.
"The Diocese of Austin seeks not only to educate people in understanding and respecting the dignity of every immigrant as a human being, but also to recognize the value of immigrants and immigration in our nation. We, as people of faith, not only advocate for the humane treatment of immigrants and family unity, but also support for compassionate comprehensive immigration reform through the USCCB.
"In the midst of the concerns about immigration and border control, may we never forget that Christ reminds us — through the parable of the Good Samaritan — of our role to be vivid examples of the fulfillment of the love commandment. The concept of “neighbor” is not merely a matter of blood bonds or nationality or religious communion. Everyone is our neighbor. As baptized members of Christ’s faithful, we must be serious about the challenge we have been given to “welcome the stranger” (Dt 10:19; Lv 19:34; Hb 13:1; Col 3:11; & Mt 25:35)."
"The Catholic Church in the United States is an immigrant Church with a long history of embracing diverse newcomers and providing assistance and pastoral care to immigrants, migrants, refugees, and people on the move. Our Church has responded to Christ’s call for us to “welcome the stranger among us,” for in this encounter with the immigrant, the migrant, and the refugee in our midst, we encounter Christ."