Statement on Migration

The Carmelite Province of the Most Pure Heart of Mary stands in solidarity with Pope Francis, Conferences of Catholic bishops, and all people “creating a world where immigrants, refugees, and others on the move are treated with dignity, respect, and welcome” (justiceforimmigrants.org). This faith-based solidarity requires us to oppose recent US federal policies of mass deportations, ending birthright citizenship and DACA protections, militarized hardening of borders, removal of DEi initiatives, increased limits to legal migration pathways including asylum bans, ending of sanctuary sites, defunding of humanitarian organizations, and illegal deportations (i.e., deportations without due process).

On March 24, 2025, in El Paso Texas, a march in support of migrants ended in Sacred Heart church, a Jesuit parish a short distance from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. In the standing room only church, with regional bishops and Cardinal Fabio Baggio from the Vatican at the altar, El Paso Bishop Mark Seitz said: “This is a war on the poor. If we do not speak up, if we do not act, the war will have no end. We will act non-violently under the sign of the cross. We belong to one another, brothers and sisters; you are my people: documented, undocumented, people of faith, people of different faiths, people seeking refuge and hospitality( … ) To all who live in fear, understand the church’s commitment in this hour of darkness.”

In making this statement, the Most Pure Heart of Mary province pledges to “speak up” and “act non-violently under the sign of the cross.” We commit to these principles of the Compromiso of the Hope Border Institute:

1. Human Dignity I We commit to treating all individuals with respect and dignity.

2. Family I We recognize that families make our community strong and we pledge to work for policies and practices that keep families together and provide them with the stability to thrive.

3. Community Safety I We l<now that collaborative relationships with law enforcement make us all safer and that trust between law enforcement and the community is essential for safety. We share the goal of ensuring community safety, and we believe that everyone should be able to engage with local law enforcement without fear, irrespective of immigration status. We will work to strengthen these partnerships in order to achieve the shared goal of a safe and thriving community for all.

4. Prosperity I We acknowledge that immigration has been key to our community’s cultural, social and economic vitality. We commit to unlocking the full potential of the contributions of all our residents. We will continue to ensure access to essential services, high-quality education for our children, and an entrepreneurial environment that creates jobs and opportunities for all.

5. Fairness I We will work for humane, fair and reasonable immigration policies in order to manage migration sensibly, keep us safe, and empower our residents to live without fear and continue to contribute to our community.

6. Celebration of our Heritage I We commit to celebrating the cultural heritage of our immigrant communities through public events, art, and education that promote understanding and unity across diversity.

In conclusion, to all migrants and refugees in the Most Pure Heart of Mary province, may our faith be deepened by time spent together. May understanding bring compassion. And through Jesus Christ and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, may the intercession of Our Lady of Mount Carmel bless and protect you and your loved ones on your journey.

Most Pure Heart of Mary Province of the Carmelites