Catholic, evangelical leaders urge immigration reform to keep families together

Catholic and evangelical leaders Oct. 13 issued a joint appeal for immigration reform, calling for measures to protect families and uphold human dignity.

In a press release, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) announced the statement from Bishop Brendan Cahill, chairman of its Committee on Migration, and the Rev. Walter Kim, president of the National Association of Evangelicals. They co-chair the Evangelical-Catholic Dialogue on Immigration, a joint initiative launched by the two organizations in March.

Citing Scripture, the statement affirmed the government’s responsibility to protect its citizens and regulate immigration.

“We affirm the responsibility of government to maintain secure and well-managed borders that safeguard all who reside in our communities, while also fulfilling the duty to uphold religious liberty, protect the persecuted, and facilitate pathways for legal immigration.”

The USCCB said the appeal comes amid reports of increased detentions and deportations after several immigrant groups lost legal protections. It highlighted the threat of separation facing families whose members have different immigration statuses.

The leaders called for action to help families stay together and prevent what the statement described as the “rupturing of our families and communities” caused by aggressive enforcement.

“In spite of the positive impacts many immigrants have made in our country, some over the course of multiple decades, the existing legal pathways to permanent status are extremely limited and out of reach for most. Only Congress is empowered to address these statutory shortcomings of our legal immigration system,” the statement read.

The leaders thanked law enforcement officers for their service but warned that laws can produce unjust outcomes. They urged authorities to focus on people who threaten public safety, protect family unity, and respect due process.

Their proposals called for strict limits on detaining nonviolent immigrants, especially children and families, alongside safer, more efficient legal pathways for workers, people joining family members, and those seeking humanitarian protection.

The statement also urged access to attorneys and chaplains for detained immigrants. The leaders committed to working with authorities so those in custody can receive spiritual counsel and take part in the sacraments.

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The leaders encouraged congregations to promote education and discussion about immigration and pledged prayers for public officials and those serving their communities.

“We do not offer these words in anger or partisanship but in hope,” they wrote, “trusting that the God of the exile and the stranger has not abandoned his people.”