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Official Statement on Immigration in the United StatesFeb. 3, 2026.As many of you know, this past November the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) issued a Special Message to voice concern regarding the evolving situation around immigration in our country. This message reaffirmed our Catholic teaching on the “fundamental dignity of all persons,” in particular the lives of immigrants who have for many years “made enormous contributions to the well-being of our nation.” It also called for an end to dehumanizing rhetoric and violence, whether directed toward immigrants or law enforcement.
Our diocese is keenly aware of these issues. Many of our priests and religious have come from other countries to serve in our parishes and schools. These individuals are crucial to the success—both spiritual and logistical—of all our ministries. It is our duty to ensure that they, and all people, are treated with their God-given human dignity.
It is worth remembering that the Catholic Church has always taught that a country has the right—and the duty— to control its borders. This is not nationalistic. It is practical. Without appropriate protections and policies, immigrants face great risks to their safety, including trafficking. The USCCB Special Message called proper border protections “an antidote” to such risks and reminded us that human dignity and national security are not in conflict with each other.
For many years, I have had priestly liaisons to the USCCB’s Office of Migration and Refugee Services, as well as to their Secretariat of Justice and Peace. These groups provide regular communications to ensure that our leadership keeps the needs of immigrants and other at-risk groups at the forefront of our work. As your bishop, I want to assure you that I am attentive to what is happening in our country and continue to pray and work for just and humane solutions.
I invite you to continue to pray for healing in our country. I also invite you not to get caught up in the name-calling and belittling that has plagued us in recent days, regardless of your position. The nature of the Catholic Church is universal and does not leave room for hatred or violence.
If you would like to learn more about the Church’s official teachings on immigration, visit usccb.org/migrationministries.
Bishop Timothy Doherty
Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana