Natural Right: The Church has historically recognized that people, in cases of grave necessity (e.g., famine, war, persecution), have a natural right to seek a better life elsewhere. This stems from the idea that the goods of the earth were ultimately created for the use of all mankind (universal destination of goods).
Authority of States: At the same time, Catholic teaching also affirms the right of nations to regulate their borders for the common good. Saint Thomas Aquinas explained that while strangers must be treated with charity, a nation has the authority to govern admission to protect its order and security.
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2. Duties of Immigrants
Obedience to Law: Traditionally, the Church has insisted that immigrants should respect the laws of the host country. Entering without permission, when lawful means are available, is not ordinarily justified, since Catholics are bound by the virtue of justice to respect legitimate authority (Romans 13:1–2).
Integration & Gratitude: Immigrants are morally obliged to integrate, contribute positively to the society receiving them, and not burden the community unnecessarily.
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3. Duties of the State and Citizens
Hospitality & Mercy: Scripture and tradition stress the duty to treat the stranger with dignity: “I was a stranger and you welcomed me” (Matthew 25:35). The Old Testament repeatedly commands Israel to remember their own history as foreigners in Egypt (Exodus 22:21).
Justice First, Charity Second: The state must prioritize justice for its citizens—protecting security, jobs, culture, and the common good—before extending wide charity to newcomers. Pope Pius XII (in Exsul Familia, 1952) emphasized that charity toward immigrants must not destroy social order.
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4. Traditional Balance
The Catholic position is neither unrestricted open borders nor absolute closed borders. The traditional framework looks like this:
Illegal immigration is not encouraged or approved—because it violates just civil law and order.
True necessity may excuse illegal entry, such as fleeing persecution or life-threatening poverty, but even then the immigrant has duties of obedience, honesty, and contribution.
Nations sin if they refuse reasonable entry to those in genuine peril, or if they exploit migrant workers without just treatment.
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5. Summary of Traditional Catholic Position
Immigration is a matter of both justice and charity.
Illegal immigration is ordinarily morally wrong, since it disrespects legitimate laws, unless in extreme necessity.
States must balance compassion with responsibility—welcoming the needy, but not neglecting the duty to protect their citizens.
Immigrants must respect the laws, customs, and faith of the host country.
In short: the Catholic tradition supports the right to migrate in true need, but equally upholds the sovereignty of nations to regulate immigration. Charity must be lived, but never at the expense of justice and order.
Theophorus
Traditional Catholic Position on Immigration
1. The Right to Migrate vs. the Right of Nations
Natural Right: The Church has historically recognized that people, in cases of grave necessity (e.g., famine, war, persecution), have a natural right to seek a better life elsewhere. This stems from the idea that the goods of the earth were ultimately created for the use of all mankind (universal destination of goods).
Authority of States: At the same time, Catholic teaching also affirms the right of nations to regulate their borders for the common good. Saint Thomas Aquinas explained that while strangers must be treated with charity, a nation has the authority to govern admission to protect its order and security.
---
2. Duties of Immigrants
Obedience to Law: Traditionally, the Church has insisted that immigrants should respect the laws of the host country. Entering without permission, when lawful means are available, is not ordinarily justified, since Catholics are bound by the virtue of justice to respect legitimate authority (Romans 13:1–2).
Integration & Gratitude: Immigrants are morally obliged to integrate, contribute positively to the society receiving them, and not burden the community unnecessarily.
---
3. Duties of the State and Citizens
Hospitality & Mercy: Scripture and tradition stress the duty to treat the stranger with dignity: “I was a stranger and you welcomed me” (Matthew 25:35). The Old Testament repeatedly commands Israel to remember their own history as foreigners in Egypt (Exodus 22:21).
Justice First, Charity Second: The state must prioritize justice for its citizens—protecting security, jobs, culture, and the common good—before extending wide charity to newcomers. Pope Pius XII (in Exsul Familia, 1952) emphasized that charity toward immigrants must not destroy social order.
---
4. Traditional Balance
The Catholic position is neither unrestricted open borders nor absolute closed borders. The traditional framework looks like this:
Illegal immigration is not encouraged or approved—because it violates just civil law and order.
True necessity may excuse illegal entry, such as fleeing persecution or life-threatening poverty, but even then the immigrant has duties of obedience, honesty, and contribution.
Nations sin if they refuse reasonable entry to those in genuine peril, or if they exploit migrant workers without just treatment.
---
5. Summary of Traditional Catholic Position
Immigration is a matter of both justice and charity.
Illegal immigration is ordinarily morally wrong, since it disrespects legitimate laws, unless in extreme necessity.
States must balance compassion with responsibility—welcoming the needy, but not neglecting the duty to protect their citizens.
Immigrants must respect the laws, customs, and faith of the host country.
In short: the Catholic tradition supports the right to migrate in true need, but equally upholds the sovereignty of nations to regulate immigration. Charity must be lived, but never at the expense of justice and order.
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