Empathy and Justice: A New Approach to Immigration Reform

Bishop Joseph E. Strickland, known for his unwavering stance on moral issues, has issued a significant statement regarding the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and their opposition to the Trump-Vance Administration’s immigration policies. His views resonate deeply, especially within the Hispanic community, where faith and family values are paramount. True compassion, he argues, must be rooted in upholding the law while also protecting vulnerable populations for the sake of future generations.

Vice President J.D. Vance has expressed concern over the USCCB’s critique of the administration’s approach to immigration. He emphasized that the Trump-Vance Administration has taken firm steps to secure borders and restore lawful immigration, aiming to prevent the exploitation of migrants, particularly vulnerable women and children. Yet, Vance noted a troubling tendency among some USCCB members to prioritize federal funding over the very people they are meant to support.

The administration’s move to halt funding for organizations involved in illegal immigration is positioned not as an affront to charity, but as a necessary measure to dismantle a system often exploited for profit. Catholic Charities, receiving substantial federal grants—over half a billion dollars—has had much of its budget financed by taxpayers. Bishop Strickland contends that a significant portion of these funds has been misdirected, facilitating illegal immigration while inadvertently fostering suffering linked to drug cartels and human trafficking.

This raises a pressing question for deeply faithful Hispanic Catholics: Is it compassionate to endorse illegal immigration when it leads to widespread suffering? Many migrants, including children, face severe risks, often falling prey to traffickers on perilous journeys. The Trump-Vance Administration advocates for securing borders and promoting legal immigration pathways as the most humane response to this crisis.

Bishop Strickland has also raised alarms about the influence of Liberation Theology within the Church, a movement he perceives as diverging from traditional Catholic teachings in favor of political activism. He warns that such ideologies, cloaked in social justice rhetoric, could harm the very individuals they claim to assist. For him, real justice is grounded in order, accountability, and moral law—elements that are undermined when lawbreaking is rewarded.

The Trump-Vance Administration champions the sanctity of every human life, contrasting sharply with the Biden-Harris Administration’s priorities. President Trump has consistently pushed for policies that bolster life, faith, and family values. For many Hispanics, such principles align more closely with their core values compared to the progressive Left’s stance on immigration and social issues.

Bishop Strickland’s call to action challenges both the Church and the Hispanic community to advocate for genuine compassion and equity. Supporting policies that defend vulnerable communities while ensuring the nation’s sovereignty is crucial for a sustainable future for all Americans, both established citizens and newcomers seeking a lawful path.

Ultimately, the Trump-Vance Administration does not reject immigrants; it seeks to restore order and dignity for all individuals. True compassion, as portrayed by these leaders, is a principle that resonates strongly with many faithful Americans, particularly within the Hispanic Catholic community.

Bob Unanue, president and CEO of Goya Foods, contributes to national dialogue on these issues as a senior advisor for America First Works. Jorge Martinez serves as a senior advisor and Hispanic engagement strategist for the same organization, bringing a wealth of experience from his previous role as press secretary for the U.S. Department of Justice.