Pope’s Visit Can Steer National Dialogue on Immigration

WASHINGTON — In light of Pope Francis’s historic visit to the United States this week, during which he plans to meet with immigrants and address a joint session of Congress, National Immigration Law Center Executive Director Marielena Hincapié issued the following statement:

“It is both humbling and validating that Pope Francis has made the fair and humane treatment of migrants, as well as economic justice, principal themes of his papacy. With the spotlight on the Pope’s every move this week, we’re hopeful that his public comments and individual visits with immigrants can help steer our national dialogue towards the moral imperative of treating every human being with dignity, justice, and respect.

“While we hope that Pope Francis’s vision will inspire change, his words alone will not solve the problems facing low-income immigrants in the United States today. They will not fix our broken immigration system and they will not bring resolution to the families who have already been separated and the millions more who live in constant fear.

“Those problems require concrete action from lawmakers, some of whom have used their powers to marginalize and demonize immigrants rather than to consider including them as community members. We urge all policymakers and presidential candidates to follow Pope Francis’s leadership and call for compassion so that immigrants are treated fairly and with dignity for the good of our society.”

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To speak with Marielena Hincapié about the Pope’s visit to the United States and implications for immigrant communities, please contact [email protected].