In the midst of a heated national debate on the immigration crisis, Timothy Cardinal Dolan, the Archbishop of New York, has emerged as a prominent voice of moral authority.
In a time when political arguments dominate the scene, Cardinal Dolan’s unwavering commitment to tackling the “tragic, broken” immigration system stands out as a principled approach.
One glaring issue in this crisis is the lack of communication at the highest levels. Cardinal Dolan, a figure of immense spiritual influence, has expressed his disappointment that his calls and letters to President Joe Biden have gone unanswered, labeling it a “cardinal sin” to ignore such an urgent issue.
His voice carries not just the weight of his office but also a deep concern for the plight of migrants. Cardinal Dolan stresses that the immigration crisis is not limited to New York alone; it is an issue that affects all of America.
New York, with its vibrant diversity and complex urban challenges, serves as a microcosm of the broader immigration problem. As Cardinal Dolan puts it, “New York simply can’t accommodate them all, we know that.”
The cardinal has spoken with New York’s Governor Hochul but admits to finding limited solace in her response, which seems insufficient in addressing the gravity of the situation.
In contrast, Mayor Adams emerges as a leader willing to engage in candid conversations about the 110,000 migrants who have arrived in the city this year.
Cardinal Dolan commends Mayor Adams for his openness and his readiness to seek help from religious leaders in advocating for change at both the federal and state levels.
Mayor Adams’s call for using underutilized buildings to house migrants found support in the New York Archdiocese. The Church, with nearly 300 parishes and 156 Catholic schools, stepped up to the challenge by offering around 10 facilities for this purpose.
The Archdiocese is also actively involved in assisting migrants beyond providing shelter. They are helping newcomers find housing, access education, healthcare, and legal assistance.
Cardinal Dolan does not shy away from acknowledging the deeply flawed nature of the current immigration system, which he describes as “terribly wrecked.” He calls for “dramatic immigration reform,” emphasizing that the Church has always supported the right of nations to secure their borders while recognizing its “high obligation” to care for newcomers.
For Cardinal Dolan and the Church, it’s about helping those who suffer, offering a compassionate response to the migrant crisis that transcends the constraints of politics and policy. It’s about recognizing the humanity in each individual and affirming, as Cardinal Dolan puts it, “You’re part of us now. You’re not a number.”
