With as many as 300,000 Catholics arriving each year from all regions of the world, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops announced a national effort in June 2005 aimed at educating the faithful about the Church’s teaching on immigration.

The “Justice for Immigrants: A Journey of Hope” campaign seeks to try to change laws, as stated by Theodore Cardinal McCarrick, “so immigrants can support their families in dignity, families can remain united, and the human rights of all are respected.” Yet, the bishops also recognize that the campaign must include not only legislative reform but also an educational effort to reform public attitudes, including those of Catholics. Cardinal McCarrick made this point clear, saying “before we can change our laws we must also change attitudes, including those of many of our own flock.”

The Chicago Archdiocese and Francis Cardinal George have subsequently mounted one of the most successful “Justice for Immigrants” campaigns in the country. Among the activities undertaken by the Church in Chicago:

• Hosted a press conference in Archdiocesan offices in early May 2005 with Auxiliary Bishops John Manz and Gustavo Garcia-Siller, launching the Archdiocese’s immigration campaign in simultaneous conjunction with the USCCB announcement;
• Sent a packet of information to all parishes, which included a cover letter detailing the campaign, scriptural passages and Church teaching, and prayer intentions for masses;
• Participated as a lead member of a large coalition of partners, ranging from labor, business, government, and faith, to effectively coordinate the larger Chicagoland immigration reform campaign;
• Invited Catholic leaders in the Archdiocese in early June to listen to a presentation by representatives of Migration and Refugee Services of the USCCB detailing the status of the national campaign and answering questions about local strategy;
• Initiated formation of priests network to participate in various educational and advocacy initiatives

Through its Office for Peace and Justice, the Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago has made a tremendous difference in reminding its parishioners about America’s proud heritage as a nation of immigrants.