The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has issued a Special Message on immigration during its Fall Plenary Assembly in Baltimore. This is the first time since 2013 that the bishops have used this form of communication, which is reserved for matters considered particularly urgent by the Conference.

A Special Message can only be released at plenary assemblies and must be approved by at least two-thirds of members present and voting. In this case, 216 bishops voted in favor, five opposed, and three abstained, resulting in overwhelming approval and applause from those present.

The message expresses concern about the current environment facing immigrants in the United States. The bishops stated: "As pastors, we the bishops of the United States are bound to our people by ties of communion and compassion in Our Lord Jesus Christ. We are disturbed when we see among our people a climate of fear and anxiety around questions of profiling and immigration enforcement. We are saddened by the state of contemporary debate and the vilification of immigrants. We are concerned about the conditions in detention centers and the lack of access to pastoral care. We lament that some immigrants in the United States have arbitrarily lost their legal status. We are troubled by threats against the sanctity of houses of worship and the special nature of hospitals and schools. We are grieved when we meet parents who fear being detained when taking their children to school and when we try to console family members who have already been separated from their loved ones."

The bishops emphasized their support for comprehensive reform to U.S. immigration laws, stating: "Catholic teaching exhorts nations to recognize the fundamental dignity of all persons, including immigrants. We bishops advocate for a meaningful reform of our nation’s immigration laws and procedures. Human dignity and national security are not in conflict. Both are possible if people of good will work together."

They also recognized countries' right to regulate borders but stressed that safe legal pathways help prevent exploitation such as trafficking.

Drawing on scripture, they said: "The Church’s teaching rests on the foundational concern for the human person, as created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:27). As pastors, we look to Sacred Scripture and the example of the Lord Himself, where we find the wisdom of God’s compassion... The priority of the Lord, as the Prophets remind us, is for those who are most vulnerable: the widow, the orphan, the poor, and the stranger (Zechariah 7:10)... The Church’s concern for neighbor and our concern here for immigrants is a response to the Lord’s command to love as He has loved us (John 13:34)."

Addressing immigrants directly, they wrote: "To our immigrant brothers and sisters, we stand with you in your suffering, since, when one member suffers, all suffer (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:26). You are not alone!"

The message thanked clergy and laypeople who assist immigrants with basic needs while urging others to expand these efforts.

It continued: "We oppose the indiscriminate mass deportation of people. We pray for an end to dehumanizing rhetoric and violence, whether directed at immigrants or at law enforcement. We pray that the Lord may guide leaders of our nation... In this dialogue [with officials], we will continue to advocate for meaningful immigration reform."

The statement concluded with words about hope rooted in faith: "As disciples of the Lord, we remain men and women of hope,

and hope does not disappoint! (cf. Romans 5:5)

May Our Lady of Guadalupe enfold us all in her maternal care."