22 forms of migration, especially in the case of refugees. While it is acceptable to place restrictions on immigration, the right to asylum must never be denied when life is seriously threatened in one’s own country. CST also accepts that states have the right to control immigration and their borders. States have the right and duty to protect their sovereignty and internal order to ensure security, fundamental rights, and freedoms. States can therefore adopt pragmatic decisions to control immigration. However, it is necessary to remember the foundational principle of respecting the human dignity of all migrants. In controlling immigration, the protection of the common good cannot override this principle. It is a great challenge to reconcile the welcome due to each person with the assessment of what is necessary to ensure the security and well-being of both the local population and the newcomer. ‘Family’ and migrants Family is one of the central themes of social catechetical teaching because family is the original cell of social life. Today the family is impacted by many factors including migration. Pope Pius XII recognised this more than half a century ago when he promulgated the apostolic Encyclical Exul Familia on migration, in which a significant place was reserved for the family to migrate as a family unit, with family rights at the place of destination. The Church considers the problem of migrants from the standpoint of Christ, who died to gather the dispersed children of God (Jn 11:52). So, the church acts in continuity with Christ’s mission. CST is particularly concerned with some of the difficulties that migrants face: discrimination and racism, frustration with work conditions or contracts, and being treated as commodities rather than as persons. The church’s message to governments and public authorities is that they have to protect all citizens. They also have a duty of care for immigrants to their lands. The local churches have the duty to show solidarity with migrants and to form public opinion to fight for justice for them. The church acknowledges that respecting the human dignity of migrants means creating conditions for them to live with dignity. This means examining and warning against unjust policies or regulations so that these policies and regulations can be amended to avoid discrimination and prejudice against migrants. Thus, there are no ‘illegal’ immigrants because immigrants are human beings, and no human being is ‘illegal’. Human beings can commit illegal acts, but the Creator does not commit illegal acts when he created humanity, so all are to be welcomed. (Mt 25, 35). Saint Pope John Paul II stated that an undocumented immigrant “is like that stranger in whom Jesus asked to be recognised. To welcome them is to show solidarity, a Christian duty of hospitality
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