WASHINGTON—The Department of Homeland Security has recently acknowledged
implementation of the policy
of separating families arriving at the U.S./Mexico Border. Most Reverend Joe S.
Vásquez, Bishop of Austin and Chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic
Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Migration, issued the following statement in
response:

“Forcibly separating children from their mothers and
fathers is ineffective to the goals of deterrence and safety and contrary to
our Catholic values. Family unity is a cornerstone of our American immigration
system and a foundational element of Catholic teaching. ‘Children are a gift
from the Lord, the fruit of the womb, a reward.’ (Psalm 127:3) Children are not instruments of deterrence but a blessing
from God.

Rupturing the bond between parent and child causes
scientifically-proven trauma that often leads to irreparable emotional
scarring. Accordingly, children should always be placed in the least
restrictive setting: a safe, family
environment, ideally with their own families.

My brother bishops and I understand the need for the
security of our borders and country, but separating arriving families at the
U.S./Mexico border does not allay security concerns. Children and families will continue to take
the enormous risks of migration—including family separation—because the root
causes of migration from the Northern Triangle remain: community or
state-sanctioned violence, gang recruitment, poverty, and a lack of educational
opportunity. Any policies should address
these factors first as we seek to repair our broken immigration system.”

—
Keywords: U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, USCCB, Bishop Joe S. Vásquez,
Committee on Migration, MRS, Department of Homeland Security, migrants, migrant
children, safety, family unity, border security, U.S./Mexico border,

###

Media Contacts:

Judy Keane

202-541-3200

Source:: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops