Statement of the National Federation of Priests' Councils Board of Directors on the Arizona Anti-Illegal Immigration Law

The National Federation of Priests' Councils deplores the recently signed legislation in the state of Arizona that would require police to question people about their immigration status including asking for identification if they suspect someone is in the country illegally. We are concerned that this type of activity would easily lead to racial profiling of legal immigrants and US citizens if someone merely looks Latino or in any other way foreign. In addition to racial profiling, the law would lead to community distrust and fear among immigrants. The Arizona law will also likely face steep constitutional challenges.

While the NFPC condemns the Arizona law, we realize that the nation's immigration system is in need of comprehensive reform. As Cardinal Roger Mahony, archbishop of Los Angeles recently stated, "Our legal immigration system, basically ignored by Congress for nearly 50 years, is outmoded and inadequate.... The family-based immigration system which has helped immigrant families remain together and thrive for decades, is unworkable and now keeps families, apart." [March 19, 2010]

The NFPC fully supports the US bishops' Catholic Campaign for Immigration Reform, Justice for Immigrants program. Since the Arizona law was signed the US Senate has developed a framework on immigration reform, which attempts to lay a roadmap for launching negotiations toward a bipartisan immigration reform bill. The framework has flaws, but it is a beginning. The final immigration bill must include provisions that respect Catholic core values of human life, dignity and family unity.

Approved by the NFPC Board of Directors on May 13, 2010