By Marge Vance • Posted October 14, 2026

We are a nation of immigrants! This often-made statement was once spoken with great pride. Now it is difficult to express this sentiment in the current climate of anti-immigrant rhetoric and enforcement activities.

It is a travesty that our immigrant heritage is being tarnished by baseless propaganda.

For centuries immigrants have been the backbone of our country, providing the brains and brawn that has moved our nation from a fledgling democracy to a superpower.

Their countless contributions to our society are not a thing of the past but continue to this day. Some of them were highlighted last year by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

“A significant majority of the undocumented population has lived in the United States for over a decade (some estimates place this percentage at upwards of 80%),” according to “Catholic Elements of Immigration” issued by the bishops’ Office of Policy and Advocacy. “Meanwhile, the population already contributes an estimated $100 billion in federal, state, and local taxes each year.”

“Providing legal processes for long-time residents and other undocumented immigrants to regularize their status would strengthen the American economy, provide stability to communities, and keep families together.”

Another report issued by the USCCB’s Department of Migration and Refugee Services along with Evangelical partners, titled “One Part of the Body: The Potential Impact of Deportations on American Christian Families,” found that roughly one in 12 Christians in the United States — and one in five Catholics specifically — either face the risk of deportation or live in a household with someone who does.

While it is understood that countries have a right to control their borders, our court system should be the proper venue for providing due process to those who violate our laws.

Speaking to diplomats early this year, Pope Leo XIV said, “Every migrant is a person and, as such, possesses inalienable rights that must be respected in every situation.”

The  issue of comprehensive immigration reform is very complex and requires thoughtful consideration of the many reasons why people migrate.

However, creating an environment of fear and anxiety that results in people being afraid to go to work, school, medical appointments, shopping, etc. is not only destructive to those affected but is counter-productive to local economies.

This should not be the hallmark of the great nation we aspire to be. We can and must do better for our immigrant sisters and brothers!

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Marge Vance serves as the Chapter Leader for the Catholic Relief Services Philadelphia-area chapter.