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
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…
Read MoreThe 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…
Read MoreJennifer 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…
Read More88th 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…
Read MoreTestimony 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…
Read MoreWASHINGTON—On Monday, July 2, a delegation of bishops led by Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, President of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, plan to meet with U.S. government officials and members of the Catholic community as part of a full day of visits with a focus on family unity. Immediately following the engagements, the bishops…
Read MoreLa aplicación de las leyes de inmigración debe ser compasiva, enfocarse en los delincuentes, no en pacientes que esperan cirugía AUSTIN – El caso de una niña de 10 años, indocumentada, que fue detenida por agentes federales en su camino a una cirugía de emergencia, resalta la necesidad de aclarar las responsabilidades respecto de la…
Read MorePLACE HOLDER - BILL POSITIONS
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: