<\/p>\n
Part 2: The Human Face of Law and Morality<\/strong><\/h2>\n <\/p>\n
by CAPP-USA<\/h5>\n\n![\"These](\"https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/A-group-of-undocumented-immigrants-and-custom-and-biorder-protection-officers-at-the-US-border.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
These immigrant stories help illustrate Catholic social teaching in action.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
In Part 1 \u2013 Law, Morality, and Undocumented Immigrants<\/a>, we explored the vital distinction between legal violations and moral culpability. Specifically, what is illegal is not always the same as what is immoral.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nThat distinction, however, cannot remain abstract.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nCatholic Social Teaching evaluates immigration at the level of society\u2014law, policy, and the common good.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\nCatholic moral theology evaluates the moral responsibility of individual persons.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\nThis is where the question becomes more demanding:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nHow do we evaluate moral responsibility in real lives\u2014not just in principle? <\/span><\/span><\/p>\nThe following cases illustrate how the Church\u2019s moral framework applies in practice.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nFour Stories: One Moral Framework<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n1. MARIA: FLEEING VIOLENCE<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Maria lived in rural Honduras. Gangs killed her husband and threatened to recruit her 14-year-old son. Local authorities could not protect them. She fled with her children and crossed the U.S. border unlawfully.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nMoral Analysis (Catholic moral theology): <\/strong><\/span><\/span>Maria acted under extreme necessity to fulfill a fundamental moral duty: protecting her children. While her entry violated civil law, her moral culpability is likely absent. Catholic moral theology recognizes that the duty to preserve life can outweigh legal requirements when no reasonable alternative exists.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nImplication for Catholic Social Teaching: <\/strong><\/span><\/span>Cases like Maria\u2019s underscore the responsibility of political communities to provide legal pathways\u2014such as asylum\u2014that recognize situations of grave necessity.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n2. CARLOS: THE DACA RECIPIENT<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Carlos was brought to the U.S. at age three. Now 25, he is a college graduate and a teacher. He has no memory of his country of birth. The United States is the only home he has ever known.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nMoral Analysis (Catholic moral theology)<\/strong>: Carlos bears no moral responsibility for his parents\u2019 decision. More than that, he has contributed to the common good\u2014through work, education, and civic participation. His legal status is a civil classification, not a moral failing.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nImplication for Catholic Social Teaching: <\/span><\/strong>Carlos\u2019s situation raises questions of justice at the level of law and policy. A system that offers no permanent path for those who have lived, contributed, and formed their identity within a society raises serious concerns about the common good.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n3. ROBERTO: THE ECONOMIC MIGRANT<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Roberto left a region of deep poverty to earn higher wages for his family. They were not starving, but opportunities were limited, and legal pathways to migrate were effectively unavailable.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nMoral Analysis (Catholic moral theology): <\/strong>This is a morally complex case. Roberto did not face immediate danger in the way Maria did. His decision, therefore, carries greater moral weight. His culpability may be mitigated by his intention to support his family, the absence of realistic alternatives, and his subsequent conduct\u2014but it is not eliminated.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nImplication for Catholic Social Teaching:<\/strong> Catholic Social Teaching recognizes both the right to seek the conditions for a dignified life and the importance of laws ordered to the common good. Cases like Roberto\u2019s point to the need for legal frameworks that are both orderly and realistically accessible.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n4. ELENA: DECADES OF INTEGRATION<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Elena entered illegally 20 years ago. Since then, she has married a U.S. citizen, raised three children, paid taxes, and served her parish. She now faces deportation.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nMoral Analysis (Catholic moral theology): <\/strong>Even if Elena\u2019s original entry carried some moral fault, her subsequent life reflects sustained responsibility, contribution, and commitment to family and community. Her moral situation cannot be evaluated solely in terms of her initial act.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nImplication for Catholic Social Teaching: <\/strong>Catholic Social Teaching recognizes that long-term presence, contribution, and integration create real bonds of solidarity. When law provides no path to reconciliation after decades of such integration, it raises serious questions about whether the legal framework remains ordered to the common good\u2014whether the law itself requires reform.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nCommon Questions Clearly Answered<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n
<\/span><\/span>\u201cTHEY BROKE THE LAW. HOW IS THAT NOT A SIN?\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Not all violations of law carry the same moral weight.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nCatholic moral theology distinguishes between legal and moral culpability. Moral responsibility depends on intention, knowledge, freedom, and circumstance\u2014not simply legal status.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nThe Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches we are not bound in conscience to follow laws that conflict with the moral order (CCC 2242)<\/a>.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\u201cISN’T THIS ENCOURAGING ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION?\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
No.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nCatholic social teaching affirms that nations have a right to regulate their borders<\/strong> and that immigrants have duties to their host country (which we cover in Part 3)<\/a>.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nWhat this framework clarifies is that legal status and moral standing are not identical.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nAt the same time, Catholic Social Teaching calls for laws that reduce situations in which individuals are forced to choose between survival and compliance\u2014between obeying the law and preserving their lives.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\u201cWHAT ABOUT THOSE WHO ‘WAITED IN LINE?’ THOSE WHO FOLLOWED THE LEGAL PROCESS?\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
This is a valid concern and relates directly to the common good<\/a>.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nCatholic Social Teaching<\/strong> insists<\/strong> that justice must respect those who follow the law.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nAt the same time, this objection often assumes something that is not always true: that a clear, accessible \u201cline\u201d exists for everyone. For many\u2014especially those in urgent or dangerous situations\u2014no realistic or accessible legal pathway exists.<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nA just system must be both orderly and humane.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\u201cDOESN’T STAYING ILLEGAL FOR YEARS MAKE IT WORSE?\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Not necessarily.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nCatholic moral theology<\/strong> evaluates<\/strong> the individual\u2019s conduct over time, including responsibility, contribution, and family life.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nCatholic Social Teaching<\/strong>, in turn, recognizes<\/strong> that long-term presence creates bonds of solidarity that law should take seriously. These relationships become part of the social fabric and must be considered in any just legal framework.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nFrom Principle to Judgment<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n
Part 1 established the principles. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\nPart 2 shows what those principles require:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nMoral judgment cannot be made in the abstract. It must consider the person, the circumstances, and the common good.<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nThis is more demanding than slogans\u2014but it is also more just.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nContinue the Series<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n
The next question follows naturally:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nWhat do immigrants owe to the countries they enter\u2014and what do nations owe in return?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\nNext: Part 3 \u2014 The Rights and Duties of Immigrants and Nations<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_button button_url=”\/immigration-overview\/” button_text=”An Immigration Overview” button_alignment=”center” module_class=”hover-btn-border” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”30px” button_text_color=”#054368″ button_border_width=”0px” button_border_radius=”0px” button_font=”|600||on|||||” button_icon=”5||divi||400″ button_on_hover=”off” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_text_color__hover=”#054368″][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_button button_url=”\/articles” button_text=”Back to Articles” button_alignment=”center” module_class=”hover-btn-border” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”30px” button_text_color=”#054368″ button_border_width=”0px” button_border_radius=”0px” button_font=”|600||on|||||” button_icon=”5||divi||400″ button_on_hover=”off” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_text_color__hover=”#054368″][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Widget of Issues ” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px||” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” saved_tabs=”all” locked=”off” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_5,3_5,1_5″ use_custom_gutter=”on” module_class=” et_pb_row_fullwidth” _builder_version=”4.13.0″ width=”100%” width_tablet=”100%” width_phone=”” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” max_width=”100%” max_width_tablet=”100%” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” custom_css_main_element=”width: 100% !important;” make_fullwidth=”on” global_module=”31023″ saved_tabs=”all” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_slider show_image_video_mobile=”on” module_class=”three-principles” _builder_version=”4.19.5″ header_font=”Open Sans|700|||||||” header_text_color=”#084369″ header_font_size=”24px” header_line_height=”1.5em” body_text_color=”#084369″ width=”100%” width_last_edited=”off|desktop” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”|||” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_slide_image_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_slide_image_phone=”width: auto;||margin: 0 auto !important;”][et_pb_slide heading=”Three Key Principles” button_link=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/catholic-social-teaching-principles\/” image=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Three-Principles.png” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” image_alt=”Three circles containing symbols of the three principles of catholic social teaching: human dignity, subsidiarity, and solidarity.” image_tablet=”” image_phone=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/3-Key-principle-icons-resized.png” image_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.19.5″ header_font=”||||||||” background_color=”#ffffff” button_on_hover=”on” z_index=”0″ overflow-x=”hidden” overflow-y=”hidden” link_option_url=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/catholic-social-teaching-principles\/” custom_css_slide_image=”width: 300px !important;||margin: 0 auto !important;” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n
Catholic social teaching is built on three foundational principles –\u00a0<\/strong>Human Dignity<\/strong>,\u00a0Solidarity\u00a0<\/strong>and\u00a0Subsidiarity.\u00a0<\/strong>Human Dignity, embodied in a correct understanding of the human person, is the greatest. The others flow from it. Good governments and good economic systems find ways of fostering the three principles.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”Human Dignity” button_link=”\/human-dignity\/” image=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Human-Dignity.png” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ header_font=”||||||||” background_color=”#ffffff” button_on_hover=”on” link_option_url=”\/human-dignity\/” custom_css_slide_image=”width: 200px !important;||margin: 0 auto !important;” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n
This means a correct understanding of the human person and of each person\u2019s unique value. All Catholic social teaching flows from this: the inherent dignity of every person that comes from being made in God\u2019s image.\u00a0<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”Solidarity” button_link=”\/solidarity\/” image=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Solidarity.png” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ header_font=”||||||||” background_color=”#ffffff” button_on_hover=”on” link_option_url=”\/solidarity\/” custom_css_slide_image=”width: 200px !important;||margin: 0 auto !important;” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n
Solidarity is not \u201ca feeling of vague compassion or shallow distress at the misfortunes of others. It is a firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good\u201d. (Pope St. John Paul II, 38)<\/a> Love of God and love of neighbor are, in fact, linked and form one, single commandment.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”Subsidiarity” button_link=”\/subsidiarity\/” image=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Subsidiarity.png” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ header_font=”||||||||” background_color=”#ffffff” button_on_hover=”on” link_option_url=”\/subsidiarity\/” custom_css_slide_image=”width: 200px !important;||margin: 0 auto !important;” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n
Subsidiarity \u201cis a fundamental principle of social philosophy, fixed and unchangeable, that one should not withdraw from individuals and commit to the community what they can accomplish by their own enterprise and industry. So, too, it is an injustice and at the same time a grave evil and a disturbance of right order to transfer to the larger and higher collectivity functions which can be performed and provided for by the lesser and subordinate bodies\u201d. (Pope Pius XI)<\/a><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_slide][\/et_pb_slider][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” admin_label=”Image & Text” module_id=”newsletter” module_class=”mosaic_width” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_color=”#eb7525″ z_index=”950″ display_conditions=”W3siaWQiOiI2MmUwMjk2ZS1lYmY5LTQwYWYtYmM0Mi0zZmEzYzUyNGNlYTEiLCJjb25kaXRpb24iOiJwYWdlIiwiY29uZGl0aW9uU2V0dGluZ3MiOnsiZGlzcGxheVJ1bGUiOiJpc05vdCIsImR5bmFtaWNQb3N0cyI6W3sibGFiZWwiOiJDYXJpdGFzIGluIFZlcml0YXRlIiwidmFsdWUiOiI0NzIxNCJ9XSwicG9zdFR5cGVMYWJlbCI6IlBhZ2VzIiwiYWRtaW5MYWJlbCI6IlBhZ2VzIiwiZW5hYmxlQ29uZGl0aW9uIjoib24ifSwib3BlcmF0b3IiOiJPUiJ9XQ==” custom_margin=”||” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” animation_direction=”left” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_module=”45073″ saved_tabs=”all” locked=”off” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ make_equal=”on” module_class=”mosaic_width” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ custom_margin=”||” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” animation_style=”fade” animation_delay=”200ms” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ module_class=”ds-vertical-align” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Playfair Display||||||||” text_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font=”||||||||” header_text_align=”center” header_text_color=”#eb7525″ header_2_text_color=”#ffffff” header_3_text_color=”#ffffff” header_3_font_size=”30px” header_4_font=”Playfair Display|700|||||||” header_4_text_color=”#ffffff” header_4_font_size=”32px” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”||” custom_padding=”||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n
These immigrant stories help illustrate Catholic social teaching in action.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
That distinction, however, cannot remain abstract.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Catholic Social Teaching evaluates immigration at the level of society\u2014law, policy, and the common good.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Catholic moral theology evaluates the moral responsibility of individual persons.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n This is where the question becomes more demanding:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n How do we evaluate moral responsibility in real lives\u2014not just in principle? <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n The following cases illustrate how the Church\u2019s moral framework applies in practice.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Moral Analysis (Catholic moral theology): <\/strong><\/span><\/span>Maria acted under extreme necessity to fulfill a fundamental moral duty: protecting her children. While her entry violated civil law, her moral culpability is likely absent. Catholic moral theology recognizes that the duty to preserve life can outweigh legal requirements when no reasonable alternative exists.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Implication for Catholic Social Teaching: <\/strong><\/span><\/span>Cases like Maria\u2019s underscore the responsibility of political communities to provide legal pathways\u2014such as asylum\u2014that recognize situations of grave necessity.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Moral Analysis (Catholic moral theology)<\/strong>: Carlos bears no moral responsibility for his parents\u2019 decision. More than that, he has contributed to the common good\u2014through work, education, and civic participation. His legal status is a civil classification, not a moral failing.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Implication for Catholic Social Teaching: <\/span><\/strong>Carlos\u2019s situation raises questions of justice at the level of law and policy. A system that offers no permanent path for those who have lived, contributed, and formed their identity within a society raises serious concerns about the common good.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Moral Analysis (Catholic moral theology): <\/strong>This is a morally complex case. Roberto did not face immediate danger in the way Maria did. His decision, therefore, carries greater moral weight. His culpability may be mitigated by his intention to support his family, the absence of realistic alternatives, and his subsequent conduct\u2014but it is not eliminated.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Implication for Catholic Social Teaching:<\/strong> Catholic Social Teaching recognizes both the right to seek the conditions for a dignified life and the importance of laws ordered to the common good. Cases like Roberto\u2019s point to the need for legal frameworks that are both orderly and realistically accessible.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Moral Analysis (Catholic moral theology): <\/strong>Even if Elena\u2019s original entry carried some moral fault, her subsequent life reflects sustained responsibility, contribution, and commitment to family and community. Her moral situation cannot be evaluated solely in terms of her initial act.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Implication for Catholic Social Teaching: <\/strong>Catholic Social Teaching recognizes that long-term presence, contribution, and integration create real bonds of solidarity. When law provides no path to reconciliation after decades of such integration, it raises serious questions about whether the legal framework remains ordered to the common good\u2014whether the law itself requires reform.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Catholic moral theology distinguishes between legal and moral culpability. Moral responsibility depends on intention, knowledge, freedom, and circumstance\u2014not simply legal status.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches we are not bound in conscience to follow laws that conflict with the moral order (CCC 2242)<\/a>.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Catholic social teaching affirms that nations have a right to regulate their borders<\/strong> and that immigrants have duties to their host country (which we cover in Part 3)<\/a>.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n What this framework clarifies is that legal status and moral standing are not identical.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n At the same time, Catholic Social Teaching calls for laws that reduce situations in which individuals are forced to choose between survival and compliance\u2014between obeying the law and preserving their lives.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Catholic Social Teaching<\/strong> insists<\/strong> that justice must respect those who follow the law.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n At the same time, this objection often assumes something that is not always true: that a clear, accessible \u201cline\u201d exists for everyone. For many\u2014especially those in urgent or dangerous situations\u2014no realistic or accessible legal pathway exists.<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n A just system must be both orderly and humane.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Catholic moral theology<\/strong> evaluates<\/strong> the individual\u2019s conduct over time, including responsibility, contribution, and family life.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Catholic Social Teaching<\/strong>, in turn, recognizes<\/strong> that long-term presence creates bonds of solidarity that law should take seriously. These relationships become part of the social fabric and must be considered in any just legal framework.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Part 2 shows what those principles require:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Moral judgment cannot be made in the abstract. It must consider the person, the circumstances, and the common good.<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n This is more demanding than slogans\u2014but it is also more just.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n What do immigrants owe to the countries they enter\u2014and what do nations owe in return?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Next: Part 3 \u2014 The Rights and Duties of Immigrants and Nations<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_button button_url=”\/immigration-overview\/” button_text=”An Immigration Overview” button_alignment=”center” module_class=”hover-btn-border” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”30px” button_text_color=”#054368″ button_border_width=”0px” button_border_radius=”0px” button_font=”|600||on|||||” button_icon=”5||divi||400″ button_on_hover=”off” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_text_color__hover=”#054368″][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_button button_url=”\/articles” button_text=”Back to Articles” button_alignment=”center” module_class=”hover-btn-border” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”30px” button_text_color=”#054368″ button_border_width=”0px” button_border_radius=”0px” button_font=”|600||on|||||” button_icon=”5||divi||400″ button_on_hover=”off” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_text_color__hover=”#054368″][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Widget of Issues ” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px||” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” saved_tabs=”all” locked=”off” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_5,3_5,1_5″ use_custom_gutter=”on” module_class=” et_pb_row_fullwidth” _builder_version=”4.13.0″ width=”100%” width_tablet=”100%” width_phone=”” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” max_width=”100%” max_width_tablet=”100%” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” custom_css_main_element=”width: 100% !important;” make_fullwidth=”on” global_module=”31023″ saved_tabs=”all” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_slider show_image_video_mobile=”on” module_class=”three-principles” _builder_version=”4.19.5″ header_font=”Open Sans|700|||||||” header_text_color=”#084369″ header_font_size=”24px” header_line_height=”1.5em” body_text_color=”#084369″ width=”100%” width_last_edited=”off|desktop” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”|||” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_slide_image_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_slide_image_phone=”width: auto;||margin: 0 auto !important;”][et_pb_slide heading=”Three Key Principles” button_link=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/catholic-social-teaching-principles\/” image=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Three-Principles.png” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” image_alt=”Three circles containing symbols of the three principles of catholic social teaching: human dignity, subsidiarity, and solidarity.” image_tablet=”” image_phone=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/3-Key-principle-icons-resized.png” image_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.19.5″ header_font=”||||||||” background_color=”#ffffff” button_on_hover=”on” z_index=”0″ overflow-x=”hidden” overflow-y=”hidden” link_option_url=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/catholic-social-teaching-principles\/” custom_css_slide_image=”width: 300px !important;||margin: 0 auto !important;” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n Catholic social teaching is built on three foundational principles –\u00a0<\/strong>Human Dignity<\/strong>,\u00a0Solidarity\u00a0<\/strong>and\u00a0Subsidiarity.\u00a0<\/strong>Human Dignity, embodied in a correct understanding of the human person, is the greatest. The others flow from it. Good governments and good economic systems find ways of fostering the three principles.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”Human Dignity” button_link=”\/human-dignity\/” image=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Human-Dignity.png” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ header_font=”||||||||” background_color=”#ffffff” button_on_hover=”on” link_option_url=”\/human-dignity\/” custom_css_slide_image=”width: 200px !important;||margin: 0 auto !important;” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n This means a correct understanding of the human person and of each person\u2019s unique value. All Catholic social teaching flows from this: the inherent dignity of every person that comes from being made in God\u2019s image.\u00a0<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”Solidarity” button_link=”\/solidarity\/” image=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Solidarity.png” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ header_font=”||||||||” background_color=”#ffffff” button_on_hover=”on” link_option_url=”\/solidarity\/” custom_css_slide_image=”width: 200px !important;||margin: 0 auto !important;” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n Solidarity is not \u201ca feeling of vague compassion or shallow distress at the misfortunes of others. It is a firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good\u201d. (Pope St. John Paul II, 38)<\/a> Love of God and love of neighbor are, in fact, linked and form one, single commandment.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”Subsidiarity” button_link=”\/subsidiarity\/” image=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Subsidiarity.png” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ header_font=”||||||||” background_color=”#ffffff” button_on_hover=”on” link_option_url=”\/subsidiarity\/” custom_css_slide_image=”width: 200px !important;||margin: 0 auto !important;” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n Subsidiarity \u201cis a fundamental principle of social philosophy, fixed and unchangeable, that one should not withdraw from individuals and commit to the community what they can accomplish by their own enterprise and industry. So, too, it is an injustice and at the same time a grave evil and a disturbance of right order to transfer to the larger and higher collectivity functions which can be performed and provided for by the lesser and subordinate bodies\u201d. (Pope Pius XI)<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_slide][\/et_pb_slider][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” admin_label=”Image & Text” module_id=”newsletter” module_class=”mosaic_width” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_color=”#eb7525″ z_index=”950″ display_conditions=”W3siaWQiOiI2MmUwMjk2ZS1lYmY5LTQwYWYtYmM0Mi0zZmEzYzUyNGNlYTEiLCJjb25kaXRpb24iOiJwYWdlIiwiY29uZGl0aW9uU2V0dGluZ3MiOnsiZGlzcGxheVJ1bGUiOiJpc05vdCIsImR5bmFtaWNQb3N0cyI6W3sibGFiZWwiOiJDYXJpdGFzIGluIFZlcml0YXRlIiwidmFsdWUiOiI0NzIxNCJ9XSwicG9zdFR5cGVMYWJlbCI6IlBhZ2VzIiwiYWRtaW5MYWJlbCI6IlBhZ2VzIiwiZW5hYmxlQ29uZGl0aW9uIjoib24ifSwib3BlcmF0b3IiOiJPUiJ9XQ==” custom_margin=”||” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” animation_direction=”left” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_module=”45073″ saved_tabs=”all” locked=”off” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ make_equal=”on” module_class=”mosaic_width” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ custom_margin=”||” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” animation_style=”fade” animation_delay=”200ms” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ module_class=”ds-vertical-align” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Playfair Display||||||||” text_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font=”||||||||” header_text_align=”center” header_text_color=”#eb7525″ header_2_text_color=”#ffffff” header_3_text_color=”#ffffff” header_3_font_size=”30px” header_4_font=”Playfair Display|700|||||||” header_4_text_color=”#ffffff” header_4_font_size=”32px” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”||” custom_padding=”||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ module_class=”ds-vertical-align” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.21.0″ custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]
In Part 1 \u2013 Law, Morality, and Undocumented Immigrants<\/a>, we explored the vital distinction between legal violations and moral culpability. Specifically, what is illegal is not always the same as what is immoral.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nFour Stories: One Moral Framework<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n
1. MARIA: FLEEING VIOLENCE<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Maria lived in rural Honduras. Gangs killed her husband and threatened to recruit her 14-year-old son. Local authorities could not protect them. She fled with her children and crossed the U.S. border unlawfully.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n2. CARLOS: THE DACA RECIPIENT<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Carlos was brought to the U.S. at age three. Now 25, he is a college graduate and a teacher. He has no memory of his country of birth. The United States is the only home he has ever known.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n3. ROBERTO: THE ECONOMIC MIGRANT<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Roberto left a region of deep poverty to earn higher wages for his family. They were not starving, but opportunities were limited, and legal pathways to migrate were effectively unavailable.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n4. ELENA: DECADES OF INTEGRATION<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Elena entered illegally 20 years ago. Since then, she has married a U.S. citizen, raised three children, paid taxes, and served her parish. She now faces deportation.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nCommon Questions Clearly Answered<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n
<\/span><\/span>\u201cTHEY BROKE THE LAW. HOW IS THAT NOT A SIN?\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Not all violations of law carry the same moral weight.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\u201cISN’T THIS ENCOURAGING ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION?\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
No.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\u201cWHAT ABOUT THOSE WHO ‘WAITED IN LINE?’ THOSE WHO FOLLOWED THE LEGAL PROCESS?\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
This is a valid concern and relates directly to the common good<\/a>.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\u201cDOESN’T STAYING ILLEGAL FOR YEARS MAKE IT WORSE?\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Not necessarily.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nFrom Principle to Judgment<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n
Part 1 established the principles. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\nContinue the Series<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n
The next question follows naturally:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nSign Up For Our Newsletter:<\/h4>\n