Immigration has long been debated, raising questions about justice, mercy, and the common good. In Washington, D.C., this conversation takes center stage as Donald Trump begins his second, non-consecutive term as President of the United States and Cardinal Robert McElroy prepares for his installation as Archbishop. This convergence of leadership highlights a striking contrast: a president whose immigration policies often align with Catholic teaching on law and order and a cardinal whose rhetoric prioritizes “radical inclusion” at the expense of the Church’s balanced doctrine.
Trump’s focus on border security and lawful entry reflects the Church’s consistent teaching on the right of nations to regulate their borders, as outlined in papal encyclicals such as Exsul Familia Nazarethana (1952). Meanwhile, while emphasizing mercy, McElroy’s advocacy for open borders neglects justice and order—principles equally central to Catholic teaching.
This article explores the contrasting visions of these two leaders: Trump, a political figure shaping immigration policy through governance, and McElroy, a spiritual leader entrusted with shepherding the faithful. While Trump is not Catholic and does not fully embrace or embody Catholic teaching on all topics, his stance on immigration upholds certain principles of justice and order more consistently than some members of the Church hierarchy, including Cardinal McElroy.
Catholic Teaching on Immigration
The Church’s stance on immigration upholds individuals’ dignity while affirming nations’ right to regulate migration.
Catholic teaching on immigration is rooted in the balance between the individual’s dignity and the state’s responsibility to uphold the common good. This dual mandate is central in documents such as Exsul Familia Nazarethana (Pope Pius XII, 1952), emphasizing that migration is a natural right, particularly for those fleeing persecution or dire need. However, it also underscores that exercising this right must respect the legal frameworks of receiving nations.
Similarly, Rerum Novarum (Pope Leo XIII, 1891) and Quadragesimo Anno (Pope Pius XI, 1931) emphasize that the state has the right and the duty to enforce laws that safeguard social order and protect its citizens. Pope Pius XII reinforced this principle in Exsul Familia Nazarethana (1952), highlighting that while individuals have the right to migrate to sustain their lives and families, this right must be exercised within the boundaries of just laws and the common good of the host nation. These teachings affirm that nations are morally obligated to regulate immigration in a way that balances justice and mercy, always considering the dignity of migrants.
This principle is deeply rooted in Scripture. St. Paul writes in Romans 13:1-2: “Let every soul be subject to higher powers: for there is no power but from God: and those that are, are ordained of God. Therefore he that resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God,” (Romans 13:1-2). St. Peter echoes this in 1 Peter 2:13-14, urging Christians: “Be ye subject therefore to every human creature for God’s sake: whether it be to the king as excelling; Or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of the good.” These passages emphasize the divine origin of legitimate authority and the Christian duty to respect laws that uphold order and justice, principles that seamlessly align with the Church’s balanced teaching on immigration.
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