Mexico: Catholic Church responds to Trump’s new immigration policies

The Catholic Church in Mexico reiterated its commitment to supporting migrants in the country after United States President Donald Trump signed executive orders on January 20 to declare a national emergency and toughen immigration policies.

Among the measures announced are the reactivation of the “Remain in Mexico” policy, mass deportations and an order that seeks to eliminate US citizenship by birthright.

In this context, the bishops of Mexico, through a statement signed by Mons. Eugenio Lira Rugarcía, responsible for the Pastoral Care of Human Mobility (DEPMH), and Mons. Héctor Mario Pérez Villarreal, secretary general of the Mexican Episcopate Conference (CEM) expressed “solidarity, our prayer and our determination to follow them serving.”

“In the midst of a harsh winter, many people and families in a situation of mobility are experiencing moments of anguish, pain, fear and uncertainty regarding the provisions of the federal government of the United States related to migration,” the bishops lamented.

However, they assured that they will continue to make efforts “so that in our homes, shelters and reception centers (migrants) find shelter and food; support in caring for your physical, emotional and spiritual health; help contacting their families and obtaining the documentation they need; legal advice and support for the procedures that need to be carried out.”

Currently, the Catholic Church in Mexico has 54 shelters, 12 dining rooms and 5 information modules in which direct help is provided that can be consulted on a map.

“We are convinced that, united, we can offer everyone hope,” the bishops expressed, highlighting their willingness to collaborate with authorities and civil organizations in the effort to “welcome, protect, promote and integrate our migrant and deported brothers.” .

The bishops also called on society to support the works of the Catholic Church and migrants and deportees.

For her part, the president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, announced on January 20 the “Mexico embraces you” program, which seeks to integrate migrants through social programs. The strategy includes the so-called Paisano Wellbeing Card, a card with economic funds that would add 2,000 pesos (approximately 100 US dollars) to cover their expenses back to their places of origin, as well as affiliation with the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) to guarantee their access to health services.

Migration requires “humane and compassionate solutions”

This message is added to the one that the Primate Archdiocese of Mexico shared in his weekly Desde la Fe on January 19, in which he indicated that “migration is a complex phenomenon that requires humane and compassionate solutions, and we cannot ignore the suffering of those who seek a better future far from their homelands.”

That is why the Church in the country’s capital reiterated its commitment to “continue working to provide support and accompaniment to those who need it, regardless of the policies that are implemented.” Likewise, he recalled that his mission is to “always be on the side of those most in need, defending their rights and dignity.”

“Let us not be fooled by those who hold the flag of Catholicism, but denigrate the vulnerable, promote the culture of death or prioritize individualism,” the message warned.

The archdiocese highlighted that “the Christian faith will always ensure that the message of the Gospel is fulfilled, a message that does not exclude, that embraces everyone and that places special emphasis on those most in need.”