Posted on 03/07/2013 8:02:53 AM PST by AuntB
Apparently, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops is rolling in dough. It's giving $800,000 more to propaganda efforts "aimed at mobilizing regular Catholics to push for the bishops' immigration platforms", i.e., mass legalization and open borders.
That comes on top of the $3.5 million the group has already spent to promote mass amnesty. For some wacky reason, this political money gets labeled "antipoverty" activity. That's really bizarre. And it flies in the face of the facts. [Catholic Bishops]
Our current legal immigration system hands out visas to an original immigrant's adult brothers and sisters, grown kids, cousins, aunts, uncles, etc. — on no basis whatsoever beyond their being related, even distantly — and without regard whatsoever to their education level, skills, talents, resources, etc. This chain migration contributes to the importation of poverty, not poverty's alleviation.
Illegal aliens are likely to be even poorer and less educated and less skilled. Their legalization further boosts the poor population, because then former illegals can sponsor their relatives for visas — again, based solely on familial ties.
There's something wasteful about this expenditure by the bishops' conference. If $3.5 million hasn't really moved the dial among Catholic parishioners on immigration politics, why would $800,000 more? The Washington Post story reporting this allocation cites a Pew poll that shows that religious faith plays the biggest role in shaping the immigration policy views of a mere 7 percent of Americans. And a Zogby poll finds Catholics in the pews markedly differ with the open-borders beliefs of their religious leadership.
By contrast, faith does influence views on same-sex marriage and abortion, according to the Pew survey. The Post says the push for gay marriage rights has taken some of the Catholic bishops' focus off immigration the past few years. By pushing "comprehensive immigration reform", the Catholic Conference is working at cross purposes with itself. Its left-wing allies on immigration will insist on including the gay agenda in CIR. The George Soros-funded Center for American Progress is working to achieve family visas for homosexual couples in the coming amnesty package.
Perhaps the scales will fall from the bishops' eyes before it's too late. As my CIS colleague Dominique Peridans has put it, "I choose to believe that the leadership of the Roman Catholic Church has the best of intentions in its statements on the issue of immigration. But leadership beckons wisdom. 'By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established.' Wisdom, in the case of immigration, ought to awaken Church leadership to the realization that the issue's complexity is poorly served by a simplistic approach that negates the autonomy of the human mind." I say, Amen! And urge the same clarity of thought to the Protestant "leaders" who hear the siren song of the open-borders zealots.
Banco Ambrosiano.
Speaking of wondering where the money goes and why.
Here is their official position:
Does the Catholic Church believe in "open borders?"
No, Church teaching supports the right sovereign nations to control their borders. Enforcement of our borders, however, should include the protection of the basic human rights and dignity of the migrant and not place lives at risk.
Does the Catholic Church support illegal immigration?
No. The Catholic Church does not support or encourage illegal immigration because 1) it is contrary to federal law and 2) it is not good either for society because of the presence of a large population living outside the legal structures or the migrant, who is subjected to abuse, exploitation, and death in the desert. Instead, the Church is advocating changing a broken law so that undocumented persons can obtain legal status in our country and enter the United States legally to work and support their families.
What enforcement measures would the USCCB support?
The USCCB supports immigration enforcement which secures our border and minimizes the risk of loss of life to migrants. A reform of our legal immigration system will help reduce the need for increased resources for enforcement because it will allow migrants to enter legally and not clandestinely across the border. Specifically, the USCCB supports enforcement provisions in the Secure America and Orderly Immigration Act (S. 1033, H.R. 2330), provided they are accompanied by changes to our legal immigration system, as noted above. Enforcement provisions in S. 1033/H.R. 2330 include: 1) the development of a National Strategy on Border Security, which would enhance information-sharing among federal, state, and local authorities, integrate security technologies, and combat human smuggling; 2) an electronic employer verification system which would feature biometric (such as retina scan) visas for workers; 3) increased cooperation with sending countries to manage the flow of nationals to U.S. jobs, discourage unauthorized migration and criminal enterprise, improve job opportunities in sending communities, and identify potential terrorist threats and 4) funding for the Department of Labor to conduct targeted audits in any new temporary worker/legalization program.
Will a new legalization program simply lead to more illegal immigration?
No: not if the new program contains all the appropriate elements and is implemented properly. In 1986, Congress passed the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, which legalized the undocumented population in this nation. However, that legislation did not address "future flows" of immigrants by making changes to the employment-based and family-based immigration systems. The creation of a temporary worker program with protections and more family reunification visas will help stem illegal immigration by providing legal avenues for migration. Moreover, the U.S. bishops have advocated for policies to address the root causes of migration, including sustainable economic development and fair trade and economic policies which take into account the plight of low-skilled workers. Only policies which address global economic inequities will provide the long-term solution to forced migration.
Is not an "earned legalization" another term for "amnesty?" Does not an "amnesty" reward illegal behavior and penalize those who are waiting in line legally?
No, an "earned legalization" is much different than an "amnesty." An amnesty is a giveaway or forgiving of a debt. For example, the 1986 IRCA legislation can be considered an amnesty because it provided legal permanent resident (LPR) status to undocumented migrants simply by virtue of their presence in the United States. An "earned legalization" requires undocumented workers to "earn" permanent status by working over a six-year period before qualifying for LPR status. It also requires the payment of a fine and English language capability. Thus, illegal behavior is not rewarded with a 'free pass," -those in the U.S. outside the law would be required to enter an earned legalization program for up to six years. Moreover, S. 1033/H.R. 2330 would streamline the family reunification system and other employment categories so that those waiting in line will receive LPR status before those in the earned legalization program. Under this scenario, undocumented workers would not "jump the line" over those who have played by the rules.
Yes, and the Catholic Church also lobbies US Catholic voters to support generous government welfare policies, as well as amnesty.
This is part of the reason why I could not get worked up over the birth control mandates on Catholic institutions almost a year ago, a fight that helped O and Dems and hurt GOP candidates in the election. It triggered all that ‘slut’ and ‘rape’ nonsense aka Akin types.
I was alone sying ‘Let them fight their own battles’ at that time because this is what they do, they like most of O-care too except the birth control.
Dont sacrifice yourself to help those who oppose you.
Yeah, well, the OFFICIAL Republican platform says they don’t support AMNESTY, either! So much for the same old crappola!
Ping!
Some, the last pope prophesy is one, point to the catholic church as being that church. Looking around, I see plenty of evidence not all is as it should be in the Church.
We are fallen and, regardless of their charter, churches are human institutions. Best to remember that with the trickster himself in charge down here. Some lampstands are better than others.
Those are all ridiculous statements; they all have to do with a) enlarging Federal bureaucracy (paid for by tax dollars), or b) instead of sending back those who enter illegally, one scheme or another to allow them to stay, or c) setting up the machinery of state in the sending country to cooperate with the machinery of state in America to set up channels whereby cheap foreign labor can be made available in America.
Why do people keep supporting what is the same basic premise as the slave trade ?
The slave trade in America was operated by the same big banking interests that are new world order - look up George Peabody, a man with a monument to himself in London.
The slave trade finally got shut down - after new world order profited tremendously from the American Civil War (thanks for nothing new world order) - yet the almost-slave labor continues even to today, notably in China.
I could go on for pages about these comments.
If a person “crosses the desert” ILLEGALLY, if they have pain and suffering out there, THEY CAUSED THEIR OWN PAIN AND SUFFERING. No one made them come here. It is illegal for them to come here. If they entered most countries illegally, they’d face harsh criminal penalties.
If people commit crimes, they deserve arrest, trial, conviction and punishment of the crime they committed.
Not doing that - encourages others to commit the same crime.
Because they see the punishment is soft.
Just because America has more freedom than other countries - does not mean that citizens of other countries have a RIGHT to come here.
New world order dupes latino minorities in America into thinking this is a racial prejudice issue; after all, all they want is for their friends and family to be able to “come to America !” and join them.
We’re all headed towards new world order slavery if we don’t wake up and understand what’s going on.
And, reviewing their legislative proposals on the topic, their official position and their actual position match.
Again, the reason why it is often difficult for either conservative ideologues or liberal ideologues to get taken seriously is the hyperbole and exaggeration they often indulge in.
Neither the GOP nor the USCCB supports mass deportations, which is the so-called radical "right wing" strategy (I use scare quotes because I don't believe this characterization is accurate).
Neither the GOP nor the USCCB supports mass amnesty, which is the leftist strategy.
These two positions represent the extreme poles of the debate.
Both the GOP and the USCCB fall in between these poles.
If you think the USCCB is wrong - and they very well may be - then they should be debated on the merits of their actual positions, and not with straw men.
I'm not interested in entertaining the delusions of the lunatic fringe.
This country was built by people who took big risks - very often breaking laws - in order to build a better life for themselves and their families.
Our current immigration laws were formulated in large part by Ted Kennedy in 1965.
They are stupid laws that simply don't work (the results are obvious) and they need to be changed. If you like the Kennedy legislation, you need to reexamine some of your basic assumptions.
This has nothing to do with banks and conspiracies and Occupy Wall Street nonsense like the "new world order" bugaboo.
It has to do with individuals deciding to try and make a better life for themselves, and how we can protect our way of life against the negative externalities of that impulse.
“Neither the GOP nor the USCCB supports mass deportations, which is the so-called radical “right wing” strategy (I use scare quotes because I don’t believe this characterization is accurate).
Neither the GOP nor the USCCB supports mass amnesty, which is the leftist strategy.
These two positions represent the extreme poles of the debate.”
Yeah? And what do you support?
“If you think the USCCB is wrong - and they very well may be - then they should be debated on the merits of their actual positions, and not with straw men. “
All you’ve done is try to detract...what is in the article that you insist is not true??? Point it out.
The Church is a multinational after all. American Catholics need to pray on this.
Next item on their agenda:
“Why are so many catholics turning away from the church?”
HUFF!
Misrepresents the USCCB? Really?
No. THe USCCB, God bless them, constantly misrepresents the Catholich Church Teaching. Our local bishop as well as the official leader of the USCCB, Cardinal Dolan, are at odds with the catechetical teaching as well as US law when it comes to illegals.
It is horrible what they are doing.
It is consistent with Cardinal Dolan’s last week stating publically that he agrees with President Obama on gun control.
THey interject themselves into US politics but won’t state publically to be against abortion and birth control because they “can’t interject into politics”.
They will interfere when it comes to democrat causes but not when it comes to conservative or constitutional causes. Most were raised in democrat homes blue collar, union, lockstep- or in Mexican homes.
THey can’t shake that formation, but it is ignorant of the Catechism.
They are also way out of touch with where the future of the Catholic Church in the US is going. If they would attend the pro life rally every or even one January inn DC they would get a clue. It’s young people, the 500,000 that can get there, representing the rest who desire to go but cannot.
It is NOT the Hispanic community, who do not act to further the cause of authentic Catholicism
THese media portrayals are usually out of whack with what is going on in the Church, but this type, where the Church in the US furthers the liberal cause, they are not often wrong.
Really? Please cite the texts of these prophecies.
There are certainly none in the Bible, so where else are these "prophecies" coming from?
Some, the last pope prophesy is one, point to the catholic church as being that church.
The supposed "last pope" prophecy - which is painfully lame forgery - makes no mention of a "one world church."
The fact is that the only prophecy regarding there being one Church is Christ's, in the Gospel of John.
It is something He prays for and desires.
St. Paul says that there is only one "body" - the unity of the Church is a constant theme in the Scripture.
The end times are characterized as a time of disunity, of warring doctrine, of disagreements and conflict - not as a time of unity.
Your assumption is that the division of Christianity into thousands of pieces is a good thing that the Lord wants and that He opposes unity in His Church.
That perspective is a thoroughly unbiblical one.
Catholic Church + Mexicans and illegal Mexicans = More Money and more power.
No wonder the Catholic Church want’s to please ALL Mexicans, legal or not.
There are actually several assumptions in your accusation, none of which are mine.
Yes, it clearly does. The USCCB does not support open borders, nor does it support amnesty. This article is a deliberate lie. You can huff and puff all you like, but the facts are against the article.
constantly misrepresents the Catholich Church Teaching
Give me specifics. I suspect that both you and the USCCB have your own favorite interpretations of Church teaching.
won’t state publically to be against abortion and birth control
Have you missed the entire national debate on healthcare? This statement is patently ridiculous.
in Mexican homes . . . It is NOT the Hispanic community . . .
You seem to have an animus against your pastors and against Hispanics in general.
The fact is that Catholic teaching admits more than one perspective on issues like taxation, immigration, and social programs.
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