Migration

“It is necessary to respond to the globalization of migration with the globalization of charity and cooperation, in such a way as to make the conditions of migrants more humane. At the same time, greater efforts are needed to guarantee the easing of conditions, often brought about by war or famine, which compel whole peoples to leave their native countries.”

﹣Pope Francis, Message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, September 3, 2014.

The Catholic Church upholds the right of people to migrate to flee oppression and poverty, calling people of faith to support and assist those who migrate in order to live in dignity and peace and to flourish as humans made in the image of God.

Migrant family at asylum rally in Nogales, Mexico

A migrant family shares their story during a rally for access to asylum at the US-Mexico border in 2021.

Discover a rich collection of resources that address the complex and pressing issue of migration through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching. These materials highlight the Church’s commitment to the dignity of every human person, the call to solidarity, and the responsibility to welcome the stranger and protect the vulnerable.

On this page, you’ll find:

  • Prayers and Reflections: Spiritual tools inspired by Scripture and Catholic tradition to guide compassionate responses to the challenges faced by migrants, refugees, and displaced persons.
  • Educational Resources: Lesson plans, discussion guides, and classroom activities designed to explore the moral and ethical dimensions of migration.
  • Multimedia Content: Videos, articles, and infographics that bring the stories of migrants to life and highlight the Church’s teaching on justice, human dignity, and hospitality.
  • Advocacy Tools: Practical resources to support advocacy for humane migration policies and to foster community actions that uphold the rights and dignity of migrants.

These resources provide a comprehensive understanding of migration as a critical issue in today’s world, inviting educators, faith leaders, and advocates to reflect, learn, and act. Rooted in Catholic Social Teaching, they inspire individuals and communities to stand in solidarity with migrants and work toward a more just and compassionate society.

Enrique's Journey

Immigration is one of the most critical social issues facing us today. The book, Enrique's Journey" is the engrossing true story of a 16-year old boy from Honduras who travels thousands of miles to...
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Immigration: The Origins of the Church's Position

This three-page resource presents how the Catholic Church arrived at its position on immigration. This article by Archbishop Wilton Gregory of Atlanta, the first in a series, is a wonderful tool...
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Jan 6-12: National Migration Week Resources

National Migration Week is a week-long look at the dynamics and impacts of migration around the world. The theme for 2008 is "From Many, One Family of God". Use this week to learn more...
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Bulletin Quotes on Immigration

Immigration is an issue currently in the national spotlight. These quotes provide statements for reflection and discussion from a variety of church resources that can be included in parish bulletins...
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Immigration Update (July 2007)

The most recent immigration reform bill, which included many negative enforcement-focused amendments in its final version, was defeated in the Senate in late June and the national immigration reform...
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Lesson Plan Activity: Immigration Role Play

Lesson Plan
This lesson plan is a group activity which engages participants in an active way, offering them an opportunity to explore immigration and the lives of immigrants from different perspectives. It is...
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A 700 mile Fence: Justice on the Border?

Lesson Plan
This resource provides a look at the recent legislation that authorized the building of a 700-mile wall along the border between the U.S. and Mexico. Can building walls really provide the solution we...
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Mitos Sobre Inmigrantes (Myths about Immigrants)

As Catholics around the U.S. work with the U.S. Catholic Bishops to advocate for comprehensive immigration reform, both English and Spanish-speaking Catholics must be equipped with the resources to...
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Danger on the Border: Is Tougher Security the Answer to Undocumented Immigration?

One recent debate in immigration reform has centered on border security. Various ideas have been proposed in Congress to built bigger fences, arm more guardsmen, and to make crossing the border more...
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The Faces of Immigrants - Case Studies on the Diverse Experiences of Immigrants to the U.S.

The United States is a country that was founded by immigrants and it has a rich history of "welcoming the stranger". This resource consists of short case studies of immigrants from...
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Immigrants, Jobs, and the Economy: Debunking the Myths

Some opponents of immigration would allege that job loss in the U.S. can be blamed on the arrival of immigrants in the U.S. However, immigrants are actually more like to help the economy grow and...
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Looking at Root Causes: Why do Immigrants Come to the U.S.?

Lesson Plan
There are 60 countries in today's world that are poorer than they were 30 years ago. A fifth of the world's population (1.2 billion people) lives on less than $1 per day and almost half the world's...
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