What Does the Catholic Church Teach About Immigration?

The Catechism of the Catholic Church succinctly summarizes the Catholic perspective on immigration in paragraph 2241:

“The more prosperous nations are obliged, to the extent they are able, to welcome the foreigner in search of the security and the means of livelihood which he cannot find in his country of origin. Public authorities should see to it that the natural right is respected that places a guest under the protection of those who receive him.

Political authorities, for the sake of the common good for which they are responsible, may make the exercise of the right to immigrate subject to various juridical conditions, especially with regard to the immigrants’ duties toward their country of adoption. Immigrants are obliged to respect with gratitude the material and spiritual heritage of the country that receives them, to obey its laws and to assist in carrying civic burdens.”

Key Principles on Immigration Based on the Teachings of the Church

•     Persons have the right to find opportunities in their homeland. When the conditions necessary for a dignified life are absent, individuals have the natural right to migrate to support themselves and their family.
•     More prosperous nations are obliged, to the extent they are able, to welcome those in search of the security and means of livelihood unavailable in their country of origin.
•     Countries have the right to maintain their borders and regulate immigration, consistent with the common good and with respect for the sanctity of human life.
•     Immigrants have a responsibility to respect the country that receives them.

Does the Catholic Church advocate for "open borders"?

No. The Catechism states that political authorities “may make the exercise of the right to immigrate subject to various juridical conditions.” This includes a sovereign country’s right to regulate and secure its borders. The Church does maintain, however, that this right must always be balanced with the duty to welcome newcomers with charity and respect for the human person, as well as the rights to life and religious liberty.

What does the Church say about illegal immigration and undocumented migrants?

The Catholic Church affirms the rule of law and encourages the use of lawful immigration pathways. The Church does not encourage unnecessary or irregular migration: “Ideally, unnecessary migration ought to be avoided.” The Catechism states that “immigrants are obliged to respect with gratitude the material and spiritual heritage of the country that receives them, to obey its laws and to assist in carrying civic burdens.”