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 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 …
Read MoreWith 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.
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MoreThe 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 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: