Bishop Cahill urges policy protecting migrant dignity, families

Bishop Brendan J. Cahill urged U.S. officials and lawmakers to create policies that protect the dignity of migrants and prevent families from being separated. In a statement released September 16 to mark National Migration Week, the chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Migration called for governments to ensure high levels of care for migrants.

Bishop Cahill noted that protections for migrants are being undermined by decreased access to legal representation and prolonged stays in detention. He stated that authorities should promote family unity and reunification whenever possible. He also expressed gratitude to caregivers, social workers, law enforcement officers, and pastoral staff who work to ensure the safety and well-being of migrants.

The bishop, who currently leads the Diocese of Victoria, Texas, was named by Pope Leo XIV as the new bishop of Joliet, Illinois, according to an announcement by Archbishop Gabriele G. Caccia, the apostolic nuncio to the United States. National Migration Week runs from September 21 to September 27 and concludes with the 112th World Day of Migrants and Refugees.