Catholic bishops continue to clash with Trump’s immigration agenda
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) announced they will not “renew the cooperative agreements with the federal government related to children’s services and refugee support,” in a statement on April 7, 2025.
The USCCB is an organization of American bishops who “exercise pastoral functions on behalf of the Christian faithful of the United States and the U.S. Virgin Islands.” Their website describes the body’s purpose under civil law, which includes the coordination of Catholic activities and charitable work in the United States. The website specifically highlights the USCCB’s role in “aid[ing] in education” and “car[ing] for immigrants.”
In the statement explaining their choice not to renew federal contracts, the President of the USCCB, Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, cited recent actions from the federal government that have “forced the Conference to reconsider the best way to serve the needs of those seeking safe harbor from violence and persecution.”
President Donald Trump, at the start of his second term, signed a series of executive orders concerning immigration and refugee services. Executive Order 14163, issued on January 20, 2025, suspended the United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP), citing the inability of the United States to take in the vast number of migrants entering the country. The order says the program will be suspended “until such time as the further entry into the United States of refugees aligns with the interests of the United States.”
The suspension of federal funding for refugee programs prompted the USCCB to sue the Trump administration. According to the text of the lawsuit, “[T]he Conference is one of ten resettlement agencies receiving funding under [USRAP].” It went on to say that “the Conference runs the largest non-governmental resettlement program in the country, serving roughly 17 percent of resettling refugees.”
Archbishop Broglio, in his letter, referenced that in 1920, the entity that morphed into the USCCB “established a Bureau of Immigration to help displaced families find new opportunities in the United States.”
Further, he said, “Our efforts were acts of pastoral care and charity, generously supported by the people of God when funds received from the government did not cover the full cost.” He also called upon the faithful, saying, “it offers every Catholic an opportunity to search our hearts for new ways to assist. The USCCB will continue advocating for policy reforms that provide orderly, secure immigration processes, ensuring the safety of everyone in our communities.”
This is not the first time the USCCB has clashed with conservative immigration policies. As previously reported by the Rover, “Vance stated that the USCCB has ‘not been a good partner in commonsense immigration enforcement that the American people voted for.’”
With immigration being a prominent political issue of the past few years, leaders like Pope Francis have addressed the relationship between Catholic Social Teaching, immigration, and the rule of law. Pope Francis made statements recognizing state sovereignty while stressing the need for compassion for all human persons. He also went on to say that “working to turn migrants away from the prospect of peace and security in a new country is a grave sin.” Meanwhile, Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Diocese of Arlington released a statement reminding the faithful that “we must not presume a conflict between human dignity and the rule of law.”
A sophomore resident of Dillon Hall stressed how his faith serves as a guide for him on the topic of immigration, primarily focusing on how the dignity of the human person must be upheld. He said, “As a Catholic, I believe sovereign nations have a right to protect their borders and have control over who enters their country, especially when it concerns violent criminals or drugs. However, if these policies dehumanize the person through any means, this violates the heart of Catholic social teaching, whether the person is in the right or wrong.”
Another Dillon Hall resident was concerned with the safety and needs of American citizens. In a comment to the Rover, he said, “I support the Trump administration prioritizing the needs of American citizens and America in general. Recently, immigration in America has been completely unchecked.” He also focused on the need to uphold the rule of law for legal migrants, saying, “The move to control immigration will allow greater protection and streamlined support of legal migrants and refugees through proper channels.”
Ella Yates is a sophomore studying philosophy, political science, and theology from Western Springs, Illinois. In the last two years, she has been on the search for the best crab rangoon in South Bend. Her current favorite is ‘J.W. Chen’s,’ but anyone with a recommendation should feel free to email her at eyates4@nd.edu.
Photo Credit: Image by the Irish Rover
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