Bishops are not immune to making mistakes...

...Such as in this article by Archbishop Chaput on "Immigration Reform"...

Sadly, everybody lost in a number of ways when our U.S. senators failed to pass The Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2007 (S. 1348) by a vote of 46 for and 53 against the measure.
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No one can condone breaking the law, but it is important to recognize when our laws are unjust, outdated and unresponsive to the current situation.

Apparently, some remain confused about the so-called "Comprehensive Amnesty Act of 2007." Some claim that the "system" is broken and in need of comprehensive reform when, in fact, the "system," or parts of it, have been deliberately compromised and/or shut down - lax (or no) enforcement of existing laws and numerous 'promises' of rewards for those who would break our country's laws.

One need only review the numerous attempts made at "fixing" our immigration "problems" over the last 40+ years. How many times must we grant 'amnesty' as a reward for criminal behavior? Does that enhance the 'dignity' of the human person? Is one to allow criminal trespassers into one's home without recourse to the law?

While some may not understand it, it is quite possible for a rational individual to be in favor of a legitimate form of immigration reform while preserving the security of a country AND respecting the dignity of ALL persons, including the citizens and legal immigrants and visitors of the country. Certainly, does justice not demand that national security and the common good and welfare of one country and its inhabitants have priority over the wants and desires of those who would flout a country's laws and enter illegally?

Although it will be difficult to see substantial legislative action during the 2008 election year, the leadership of the Archdiocese of Denver, together with many other groups, including the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, will not give up the call for a just and comprehensive immigration reform.

The fact is that the latest sham perpetrated by the Senate was neither just nor comprehensive (save its amnesty provisions) nor 'reform'...it was a regurgitation of similar proposals from the past, only worse. It's reminiscent of a dog which returns to its own vomit.

Perhaps, after border security has been properly and adequately implemented and when owners and executives of companies which, in violation of the law, hire illegals begin to be fined and imprisoned, and when the citizens see the fruitful results of these actions - then the opportune time might be upon us to revisit a comprehensive immigration reform.

In the meantime, would it not be useful for our leaders, bishops, and others to encourage their counterparts in other countries to do more to assist their own people and government in reform efforts and to discourage the breaking of other countries' laws?

An interesting comment on the recent Senate bill was made by the grandson of an immigrant - a legal immigrant.

“I opposed the bill because it would have provided nearly immediate legal status to between 12 and 20 million illegal immigrants. I believe that, before we deal with those illegal immigrants already here, we must first secure the borders of our country to effectively cut off the flood of illegal immigrants. Otherwise, we will be dealing with illegal immigration again on a much larger scale a generation from now.” - Senator John Thune (R- South Dakota)

Much like the dog, yes?