In mid-December, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation that if enacted into law would make undocumented immigrants and those who assist them criminals.

The Border Protection, Anti-Terrorism, and Illegal Immigration Act of 2005 (H.R. 4437), is an enforcement-only measure, which would not fix the ills of the current immigration system. The bill would criminalize undocumented immigrants and those who would assist them, including those providing humanitarian assistance. It would also require the detention of families and children, trafficking victims, and other vulnerable people, and potentially deport asylum seekers to the very governments from which they fled persecution.

To truly fix the problems, however, will require a comprehensive approach, rather than the narrow, enforcement-only proposal adopted by the House of Representatives (H.R. 4437.) Congressional action now turns to the Senate, which is expected to begin its work on immigration reform proposals whose comprehensive approach is embodied in the Secure America and Orderly Immigration Act (S. 1033), introduced by Senator John McCain (R-AZ) and Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA).

As the Senate takes up immigration reform proposals, including the Secure America and Orderly Immigration Act of 2005, the following elements should be incorporated into any final package for these efforts to be successful.

Reform Must Be Comprehensive. True and effective immigration reforms must deal with (1) the undocumented immigrants working and living in the U.S., (2) legal means to enter the country for work and to join family members, (3) enforcement strategies that are effectively targeted and that uphold human dignity. Moreover, international policies must encourage opportunities for people in their home countries to achieve a dignified living and not be compelled to migrate out of necessity. S. 1033 includes all these elements.

Provide a Pathway to Residency and Citizenship. The undocumented immigrants currently living in the U.S. must be given the opportunity to earn the right to remain in the U.S. if they satisfy certain criteria, including that they are not a security threat and not a criminal. Those who pass background and security checks should be eligible for permanent residence and citizenship, if they so desire. Such a program is pro-security, because it would bring a large population “out of the shadows.”

Provide Worker Visas and Protections. There must be greater legal means by which needed workers can be admitted, both temporarily and permanently, to fill available jobs. Such a workers visa program must adequately protect the wages and working conditions of U.S. and immigrant workers. Adequate and responsive legal avenues for migrant workers must be created so that they can enter and work in a safe, orderly, and dignified manner. This would also make us more secure because the government would know who is entering the nation.

Keep Families Intact. The debilitating and inhumane family visa backlogs that currently keep families separated for years must be eliminated and more visas made available to ensure family unity. The cornerstone of a strong society is the strength of the family. Thus, our immigration laws must ensure that family unity is facilitated and supported.

Strengthen Security and Restore the Rule of Law. This can best be accomplished through a comprehensive overhaul of our immigration system that combines needed reforms — a path to permanent status for immigrants here and expanded visa availability for those coming in the future — with effective and targeted enforcement.Effective enforcement requires smart inspections and screening processes, fair proceedings, efficient processing, as well as strategies for cracking down on smugglers.

The Secure America and Orderly Immigration Act of 2005 (S. 1033), introduced by Senators McCain and Kennedy, should be supported for it is the best proposal to date that embodies the comprehensive reforms proposed by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Bishop Gerald Barnes of the Diocese of San Bernardino, California and the Chairman of the USCCB Committee on Migration wrote, “The Church’s voice must be heard if we are to achieve a more humane response to the problems of the current immigration system and the devastating affect it has on immigrants and the broader community. Please join me in prayer for a successful outcome.

‘We Catholic bishops commit ourselves to continue to work at the national level to promote recognition of the human rights of all, regardless of their immigration status, and to advance fair and equitable legislation for refugees and prospective immigrants.’ “

Missouri citizens should contact Senator Kit Bond at (202) 224-5721 and Senator Jim Talent at (202) 224-6154 and urge them to pass the Secure America and Orderly Immigration Act (S. 1033) but oppose The Border Protection, Anti-Terrorism, and Illegal Immigration Act of 2005 (H.R. 4437)