Immigration

We support immigration reform that is merciful, charitable, and compassionate to those here simply working for a better life, while also recognizing the legitimate responsibility of the government to maintain control of our nation’s borders.

Catholics derive special concern for immigrants from the call in Sacred Scripture and Tradition for us to welcome the stranger in search of security and livelihood that they cannot find in their home countries. The TCCB supports immigration reform that is merciful, charitable, and compassionate to those here simply working for a better life, while also recognizing the legitimate responsibility of the government to maintain control of our nation’s borders by:

  • opposing efforts to reduce access by immigrants to IDs, birth certificates, drivers’ licenses, education, and healthcare;
  • supporting care for unaccompanied minors, juvenile immigrants, and alternatives to family detention;
  • supporting enforcement measures which are targeted, proportional, and humane; and
  • supporting the reunification of immigrant families.

We publish brief summaries of the specific reforms in state law that we seek. Learn more below.

Testimony regarding immigration bills

Texas bishops express profound disappointment over decision to declare Texas Dream Act unconstitutional

June 6, 2025

The will of the Texas Legislature to enable the Texas Dream Act to continue has been overturned by a federal judge …The action by the Trump Administration and the Texas attorney general to ask a federal judge to overturn the law, and the subsequent ruling by the court, now propels our society further away from just and reasonable immigration reform that would foster human flourishing based in the tranquility of order and human dignity …

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Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops opposes SB 8

May 31, 2025

With recent changes, the TCCB opposes SB 8 out of concern that it does not adequately provide for uniform enforcement and training of local police officers who may now be authorized to enforce immigration laws in Texas.

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Texas bishops call for just and humane approach to migration

January 24, 2025

The bishops of Texas will continue to work with governmental officials and other people of good will to implement policies that recognize the dignity of every person, prioritize family unity, and address the root causes of forced migration, while respecting the right and responsibility of our country to secure its borders, regulate immigration in an orderly process, maintain the rule of law, and keep its communities safe and peaceful.

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Oppose HB 4, uphold the rights and dignity of every person, foster the common good

November 12, 2023

The following testimony was delivered on Nov. 9 before the House State Affairs Committee by Justin Estep, senior director of Immigration and Refugee Services, Catholic Charities of Central Texas. As a church of immigrants, the Catholic Church has a long history of involvement in the immigration issue. Our experience in working with immigrants throughout the…

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HB 4 not solution for immigration reform

October 27, 2023

The following testimony was delivered on Oct. 19 before the House State Affairs Committee by Justin Estep, senior director of Immigration and Refugee Services, Catholic Charities of Central Texas. The Catholic Church has a long history of involvement in the immigration issue. Our experience in working with immigrants throughout the years compels us to speak…

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SB 2: Fails to recognize years-long asylum process and due justice

June 5, 2023

Jennifer Carr Allmon, executive director of the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops, delivered the following testimony in the first special session of the 88th Texas Legislature. The Catholic Church has a long history of involvement in the immigration issue. Our experience in working with immigrants throughout the years compels us to speak out on the…

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88th Legislature Immigration Bills

May 2, 2023

88th Legislature Immigration Bills For years, burdens of an unworkable system of immigration have fallen heavily on states and communities along the US-Mexico border. The human and moral cost of ongoing federal inaction to create an effective set of policies to ensure safe and orderly migration is tragically reflected both in an unprecedented number of persons…

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How you can help: Immigrants & Refugees

August 19, 2019

Upon request from Catholics across the state, the TCCB created a new resource page where you can find links to helpful ministry resources in Texas. The first item that we have created a page for is “Immigrants and Refugees.” You can find that link here or under “Pastoral Resources” –> “How You Can Help” in…

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Sine Die Report for the 86th Legislature

July 10, 2019

Sine Die Report on Priority Bills in the 86th Legislative Session Educate: Throughout the 2019 session, we educated and mobilized the laity to take an active role in supporting the bishops’ agenda. Specifically, we have published online briefs—available here—of the topics on our legislative agenda to explain Church teaching and how to improve state law.…

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HB 2266: Repeal “anti-sanctuary cities” legislation

April 18, 2019

Testimony by Rachana Chhin The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops support HB 2266, which would repeal SB 4, passed in 2017, which was an “anti-sanctuary cities” law that required compliance with ICE detainers, preempted local law enforcement policies, and seeks to remove police chiefs who do not cooperate. We support HB 2266 to end the…

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PLACE HOLDER - BILL POSITIONS

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Access to Services

We work to protect immigrants' access to I.D. cards, driver licenses, birth certificates, education, and healthcare.

Unaccompanied Minors

We support laws which provide appropriate care for unaccompanied children and offer alternatives to family detention.

Law Enforcement

Civil law should impose punishments proportional to an offense. Police should enforce laws humanely and target dangerous offenders.

Family Unity

We support laws and policies which seek to maintain or restore family unity outside of detention settings.

For resources related to Immigrants, Migrants, and Refugees and for ways to serve across Texas, visit our ministry page here

Legislative Agenda

Our work to improve state law is guided by Catholic teaching and statewide ministry.
There are eight topics on our legislative agenda:

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