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May 17, 2024
As Bishops of the Arizona Catholic Conference, we want to again express our frustration about the ongoing situation at the border. The lack of a federal solution to the challenges faced by both vulnerable people and American communities is sorely needed and long overdue.
The states and local communities along the US-Mexico border are shouldering much of the burden of the inaction by the federal government. This failure has resulted in not only an overwhelmingly large number of migrants wanting to cross the border, but also an unacceptable number of migrant deaths.
We do not intend to question the good intentions of lawmakers who seek to address these challenges. Nonetheless, we believe that HCR 2060 will have painful unanticipated consequences, and that it is not the right solution.
Although proponents argue that this legislation is primarily a border security bill, there is no language limiting enforcement to the state’s interior. Even the possibility that this law could be enforced in communities throughout Arizona by local law enforcement officers is enough to undermine community trust of the police. Accordingly, public safety will be threatened when crime victims and witnesses are afraid to report crimes. Moreover, the possibility of racial profiling and violations of civil liberties, while targeting the most vulnerable, is especially troubling.
We are particularly concerned with upholding the rights and dignity of every person, especially families looking to remain safely together. Additionally, we note our disappointment that there is no provision to prevent enforcement in places of worship, schools, and healthcare institutions.
The federal government needs to do a better job of managing our national border and providing comprehensive immigration reform. Proposals such as HCR 2060, however, are unlikely to survive legal challenges and are not the right solution.
Most Rev. John P. Dolan
Bishop of Phoenix
Most Rev. Edward J. Weisenburger
Bishop of Tucson
Most Rev. James S. Wall
Bishop of Gallup
Most Rev. Eduardo Nevares
Auxiliary Bishop of Phoenix