Statement Of Cardinal Roger Mahony On Failure Of Immigration Reform Legislation

I am deeply disappointed in today’s U.S. Senate vote, which likely ends the movement toward comprehensive immigration reform this year.

I express my gratitude to those Senators who worked diligently and fearlessly to achieve an immigration reform system for our country which would have recognized and affirmed basic human dignity and rights, and which would have strengthened our national security.

Our immigration system remains broken. Without reform, our current system will continue to permit the exploitation of workers, the separation of families, and will handicap efforts to secure our nation’s borders. Each day that this status quo is permitted to exist is a moral failure for our nation, as well as a legislative one.

The Catholic Church will continue to be a voice for justice in urging our legislators to enact comprehensive immigration reform in our nation.