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March 30, 2006
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Bishop Sklba says he would not
obey proposed immigration law
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MILWAUKEE —Should the Border Security, Anti Terrorism and Illegal Immigration Control Act become law, one church leader will not obey it.
“Immoral legislation cannot bind anyone,” Auxiliary Bishop Richard J. Sklba said in an interview with your Catholic Herald March 27.
The act, sponsored by Wisconsin’s Fifth District U.S. Rep. F. James Sensenbrenner and passed by the House last December, is being considered by the U.S. Senate.
“I take issue with the fundamental movement to criminalize undocumented status and to criminalize those who offer them support,” the bishop said.
Section 202 of the act states that an individual or organization who “assists” an individual without documentation “to reside in or remain” in the United States knowingly or with “reckless disregard” as to the individual’s legal status would be liable for criminal penalties and five years in prison.
According to a summary of the legislation provided by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Office for Migration and Refugee Services, this could include church personnel who provide shelter or other basic needs assistance to an undocumented individual. Property used in this act would be subject to seizure and forfeiture.
The bishop said he favored reforming immigration law, but not in the manner of HR4437.
“This is harsh, unjust and unChristian,” he said.
Quoting 1 Peter 4:12-19, in which the apostle advises the persecuted, Bishop Sklba said, “Suffering as a Christian is a sign of pride.”
Bishop Sklba said he shared his views about the act in a private letter to Sensenbrenner.
In a March 23 release regarding the “Day Without Latinos” march, the congressman did not specifically mention Section 202, but he stated, “America is a compassionate nation that should continue to be the land of opportunity. But the best way to help illegal aliens is by stopping illegal immigration.” |
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