Misplaced Compassion: Illegal Immigration, Hypocrisy, and the Neglect of Survivors

+JMJ+ As someone who deeply loves my faith and my Church, I feel compelled to point out a glaring injustice. I generally avoid politics on social media and my blog because of the divisiveness it often creates. However, I hope you'll hear me out. This post is not about politics. It's about a clear wrong and a profound hypocrisy, regardless of where you fall on the political spectrum.

It’s ironic how the Catholic Church is so outspoken about the dignity of people, particularly illegal immigrants as of late, yet falls painfully short in showing the same care and concern for victims of clerical abuse. Indeed, the scandal continues, most recently with Pope Francis elevating Cardinal Robert McElroy to the prestigious position of Archbishop of Washington. McElroy has been documented as covering up a major case involving satanic sexual abuse within the Vatican, as well as shielding the notorious predator Cardinal Theodore McCarrick. Such actions raise serious concerns about accountability and justice within the Church and further betrays the faithful.

The recent outspokenness of many bishops and Church leaders proves they can speak out. They simply choose not to. Certain issues are deemed “more important,” and they pick and choose which ones deserve their time and attention.

Perhaps if abuse survivors boarded a large boat, floated across the ocean, and carried a sign marked “Dreamers,” we might finally be given the dignity, compassion, care, and justice we deserve.

Dignity is universal, and with the basic right to life at the forefront, justice demands consistency.

Social Justice or Selective Justice?

Before moving on, I want to be clear that I am referring to illegal immigration, not asylum. I use the term “illegal immigration” or “illegal alien”because that is the statutory term. When you come in illegally, you’re not just missing documents. You came in knowingly.

Also, entering a country illegally is not the same as seeking asylum. Seeking asylum is a legal process in which a person requests protection from persecution in their home country based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. This process is recognized under international law.

Someone can request asylum at a port of entry when they arrive at a legal border crossing or airport or by crossing the border illegally and then seek asylum. There’s much more to it but I wanted to summarize briefly before moving on…

It’s interesting how “social justice” seems to apply most to bishops here in the U.S. Why not address the root causes of migration instead of focusing solely on the U.S.? Why not focus on improving the systemic issues in those nations rather than encouraging people to abandon their homes and take dangerous journeys? I’m not suggesting that bishops and cardinals in those countries are doing nothing, but here in the U.S., there seems to be an overwhelming emphasis on supporting all illegal immigrants who enter the country without addressing the deeper issues driving them to leave.

Unless, of course, it’s not about the people as much as we are being led to believe. Perhaps, to some extent, it’s about money—federal funds flowing into Catholic Charities and the bishops. Let’s not forget that federal money rolls in when Catholic organizations assist with mass immigration.

Enabling Danger

Then there’s the matter of danger, not just for the migrants but also for U.S. citizens. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) seems to ignore the fact that they are encouraging migrants to make treacherous journeys. On these journeys, people are subjected to drug cartels, extortion, violence, and human trafficking. What about the children who go missing? What about the women, men, and children who are raped along the way?

And what of the vulnerable American families who are impacted by the drug and human trafficking that unchecked immigration fuels? Why do the bishops not speak out about that? Why do only the illegal immigrants matter? What about current U.S. citizens? Do their safety and dignity not matter?

This prioritization of one group over another is deeply disturbing. It seems to carry an unspoken assumption that illegal immigrants are somehow morally superior to citizens—that they are of greater worth.

Of course, not all cases of illegal immigration can be grouped together, as there are exceptions to every situation. However, we cannot assume that all individuals who enter illegally do so with good intentions. Most of us would agree that few people would welcome a complete stranger to live in their home without knowing anything about them, especially when they have a family to protect. That would be irresponsible.

We can still adhere to the Corporal Works of Mercy—helping others with food, clothing, and shelter—without compromising our own safety and without encouraging disregard for a nation's just laws. Yet, by their very actions, those who enter the country illegally have already violated one of the most basic principles of our nation: to follow the laws of the land. The U.S. legal system is built on the idea that laws are meant to maintain order, protect individual rights, and ensure justice in society. Everyone, regardless of status, is subject to the law.

When individuals break the law, they create a trust issue. Despite this, some may argue that the Church suggests all illegal immigrants are well-intentioned. While it’s true that some may be fleeing danger and deserve asylum, we must ask: What gives individuals the right to place their needs above those who are waiting their turn to follow the legal process? Not all cases are the same, and we must recognize the complexity of the issue without simplifying it.

Where is the humility in bypassing the law? I have never heard a priest speak about the sin of skirting immigration laws. Instead, illegal migrants are applauded and supported. Even Pope Francis said anyone who builds a wall to keep out migrants is “not Christian.” Yet, he himself lives within the walls of Vatican City. Even recently, the Vatican cracked down on illegal entry into its territory. Hypocritical?

Moreover, this contradicts Catholic teaching, which affirms the right of nations to enforce just laws concerning immigration (Catechism of the Catholic Church 2241, 2242). Strikingly, the pope has never used such strong words to describe people who endorse abortion, a clear and undeniable evil and a violation of the most basic human right: the right to life. While Pope Francis has certainly spoken out strongly against abortion, his compassion seems to extend to everyone except those who oppose his agenda (which leans toward Marxism).

Even Catholic teaching acknowledges that immigrants have an obligation to follow the law. If they do not, they undermine the very concept of justice. Interestingly enough, Vatican City itself punishes illegal aliens. Should the Church not practice what it preaches?

Compassion or Gaslighting?

The Church needs to stop gaslighting us. The current narrative is nothing short of emotional and psychological abuse. We are told that failing to support open borders or sanctuary policies makes us uncharitable, unloving, and un-Christian. This is manipulative rhetoric.

Catholic teaching does not require blind adherence to a political party’s solution to immigration. True compassion is not reckless. True charity is not enabling. True justice considers the dignity of all people—not just one group.

A Survivor’s Perspective

For survivors like me, sanctuary policies are a further betrayal of the pain we’ve already endured. My rapist was a Catholic priest and a legal resident here on a green card. He exploited the system, hurt countless people, and shattered many lives. At the very least, he faced some justice. He served 10 years in prison before being deported to Colombia. My heart still aches when I think of all the other women he hurt, those living in silence, and of the woman who he is perhaps still hurting. I also live with the fear: What if he tries to come back? Would anyone care? Would my state of Massachusetts, with its sanctuary policies, even notice?

One of the basic stipulations for being a U.S. citizen is abiding by the law. If someone commits a crime while here on a visa or illegally, they are legally required to leave the country as a consequence of their actions (deportation). However, in sanctuary states like Massachusetts, local law enforcement is not obligated to notify ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) about the release of a criminal who is an illegal or even a legal immigrant. This allows individuals to slip under the radar and potentially reoffend.

In my own case, my rapist might never have been deported if it weren’t for my husband’s connection to law enforcement and ICE. When I was notified of the upcoming prison release back in 2013, I learned he was scheduled to be released to an address about a mile from my home. Thankfully, my husband had a connection with someone high up in ICE who was able to intervene to ensure my rapist's deportation. Without those connections, there’s a strong chance he would have been allowed to remain here, unnoticed, unmonitored...and down the street from my family. That's pretty darn scary.

My own experience highlights the flaws in the system. If law enforcement isn’t required to notify ICE of the release of immigrant criminals, it puts survivors and the community at risk. No one—regardless of their legal status—should be allowed to remain in the country after committing a crime that endangers others. The lack of coordination between local law enforcement and ICE only makes this issue more dangerous.

Survivors like me are left feeling abandoned. Sanctuary policies send a clear message: you don’t matter. The pain we’ve endured, the safety we deserve, and the justice we seek are secondary to the political agendas of those who support unchecked immigration.

A Call for Accountability

It’s time for the Church to reexamine its priorities and take an honest look at the consequences of its actions. Compassion must be rooted in truth and responsibility. The safety and dignity of all people must be considered—not just illegal immigrants.

The Church has the ability to influence change, but that change must be balanced with accountability and common sense. Until that happens, the message to survivors of crime committed by immigrants remains painfully clear: you don’t matter.

I want to remind all survivors of this truth: you matter. You have inherent dignity and worth, and from the moment you were conceived in your mother’s womb, you have been a precious child of God.

Side note: I think most of us can agree that if illegal aliens are to be removed, it should be done with dignity and respect, as every human being deserves. Even the worst of criminals should be treated with respect and dignity. However, it's also important to remember that voting for someone doesn't mean we support every single action they take. Every leader brings both positives and negatives, and there are no perfect leaders especially in the political world. Be cautious about making rash judgments about others with comments such as, "This is your fault. You voted for this. This is what you wanted." Such statements are false, don't solve anything, and fail to recognize the complexities of leadership and decision-making. Pray for one another, pray for our leaders, and for our country.