Many challenges related to immigration have recently come to the forefront of local and national awareness. Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez has observed a wide range of reactions marked by increased anxiety, fear, anger, and polarization.

"As Catholics, we discern matters of immigration guided by prayerful hearts in a way that seeks justice, charity, and dignity for all human beings while embracing a shared responsibility to ensure the safety of our communities and our country," said Archbishop Pérez.

The Archbishop emphasized the importance of Christ's call to welcome strangers and His commandment: "Whatever you did for one of my brothers or sisters, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you did it for me" (Mt. 25:40). This fundamental precept calls believers to see Jesus in everyone they meet and be instruments of His compassionate love. This is especially significant when encountering those on society's margins, including migrants and refugees.

Philadelphia has a long history of welcoming people fleeing oppression from other lands seeking better opportunities. The area is home to many immigrants; some are newcomers while others have lived and worked there for years. All are considered brothers and sisters deserving dignity, respect, compassion, and justice.

At the same time, there is recognition of the need for civil authorities to enact measures that provide for the common good. These include immigration policies safeguarding life, liberty, and property for all who call the United States home—both natural-born citizens and those working towards citizenship.

Archbishop Pérez stated that serious immigration policy reforms combining dignity, mercy, and justice are necessary. He hopes such reforms will prevent family separations and abuses by traffickers while providing a more timely process for achieving citizenship. Additionally, he believes law enforcement should deter those who may harm society from entering the country.

Achieving this requires wisdom, courage, and peaceful spirit from elected officials as well as each individual citizen. Archbishop Pérez concluded with a prayer asking Almighty God for understanding regarding societal issues:

"We seek eyes free from blindness so we can see each other with dignity as equal brothers and sisters," he prayed.

He also asked for courage in supporting policies aligning with divine principles: "We ask courage to express support toward policies bringing us closer into Your kingdom."

Reverend Nelson J. Pérez concluded his statement praying through Jesus Christ’s name invoking Holy Spirit power saying Amen acknowledging Almighty God listening their plea seeking wisdom & peace across land now forevermore