Addressing Justice in Migration Policy
One month ago, Pope Francis issued a powerful letter to the U.S. Catholic Bishops, urging them to reaffirm the Church’s commitment to the dignity of every human person, particularly in the context of migration. His message arrives at a crucial moment, as the nation faces significant challenges related to immigration policies and their impact on vulnerable populations.
In his letter, Pope Francis draws upon biblical narratives, reminding us that Jesus himself experienced the plight of being a refugee. "The family of Nazareth in exile, Jesus, Mary and Joseph, emigrants in Egypt and refugees there to escape the wrath of an ungodly king, are the model, the example and the consolation of emigrants and pilgrims of every age and country," he writes, citing Pope Pius XII.
At the heart of his message is a call to uphold the infinite and transcendent dignity of every human being, beyond legal or political considerations. He warns against policies that equate undocumented status with criminality and urges a humane approach that protects the most vulnerable, particularly those fleeing extreme poverty, violence, and environmental crises.
"The act of deporting people who in many cases have left their own land for reasons of extreme poverty, insecurity, exploitation, persecution or serious deterioration of the environment, damages the dignity of many men and women, and of entire families, and places them in a state of particular vulnerability and defenselessness," Pope Francis states.
This message resonates strongly with the values upheld by the Loyola Chicago community, particularly through initiatives such as the Kino Border Initiative, which provides humanitarian aid, education, and advocacy for migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border. As students and faculty dedicated to social justice, we are called to respond with compassion and action, fostering solidarity with those seeking safety and a better life.
Loyola University law students interact directly with detained immigrants, some of whom f led severe conditions in their home countries, including political unrest and violence. Detainees lack the right to legal representation under the Sixth Amendment because deportation is classified as a civil sanction. This creates significant challenges for asylum seekers, who often must represent themselves in court. Participating students reflect on the harsh realities faced by immigrants in detention, describing the environment as hostile and stressful.
Pope Francis urges all people of goodwill to reject divisive narratives that cause unnecessary suffering and instead work toward a society built on fraternity, inclusivity, and respect for human dignity. As a Jesuit institution, Loyola University Chicago continues to embrace this mission, advocating for policies that align with the Gospel’s call to "welcome, protect, promote, and integrate" those in need.
In the coming weeks, we encourage our community to engage with migration issues through service opportunities, and advocacy efforts. May we take inspiration from the Pope’s words and the example of Christ to build a more just and compassionate world for all.
Written by: Scarlet Nickel ’27 and Summur Lawson, M.S. ‘11
One month ago, Pope Francis issued a powerful letter to the U.S. Catholic Bishops, urging them to reaffirm the Church’s commitment to the dignity of every human person, particularly in the context of migration. His message arrives at a crucial moment, as the nation faces significant challenges related to immigration policies and their impact on vulnerable populations.
In his letter, Pope Francis draws upon biblical narratives, reminding us that Jesus himself experienced the plight of being a refugee. "The family of Nazareth in exile, Jesus, Mary and Joseph, emigrants in Egypt and refugees there to escape the wrath of an ungodly king, are the model, the example and the consolation of emigrants and pilgrims of every age and country," he writes, citing Pope Pius XII.
At the heart of his message is a call to uphold the infinite and transcendent dignity of every human being, beyond legal or political considerations. He warns against policies that equate undocumented status with criminality and urges a humane approach that protects the most vulnerable, particularly those fleeing extreme poverty, violence, and environmental crises.
"The act of deporting people who in many cases have left their own land for reasons of extreme poverty, insecurity, exploitation, persecution or serious deterioration of the environment, damages the dignity of many men and women, and of entire families, and places them in a state of particular vulnerability and defenselessness," Pope Francis states.
This message resonates strongly with the values upheld by the Loyola Chicago community, particularly through initiatives such as the Kino Border Initiative, which provides humanitarian aid, education, and advocacy for migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border. As students and faculty dedicated to social justice, we are called to respond with compassion and action, fostering solidarity with those seeking safety and a better life.
Loyola University law students interact directly with detained immigrants, some of whom f led severe conditions in their home countries, including political unrest and violence. Detainees lack the right to legal representation under the Sixth Amendment because deportation is classified as a civil sanction. This creates significant challenges for asylum seekers, who often must represent themselves in court. Participating students reflect on the harsh realities faced by immigrants in detention, describing the environment as hostile and stressful.
Pope Francis urges all people of goodwill to reject divisive narratives that cause unnecessary suffering and instead work toward a society built on fraternity, inclusivity, and respect for human dignity. As a Jesuit institution, Loyola University Chicago continues to embrace this mission, advocating for policies that align with the Gospel’s call to "welcome, protect, promote, and integrate" those in need.
In the coming weeks, we encourage our community to engage with migration issues through service opportunities, and advocacy efforts. May we take inspiration from the Pope’s words and the example of Christ to build a more just and compassionate world for all.
Written by: Scarlet Nickel ’27 and Summur Lawson, M.S. ‘11