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The Lead Bishop for Migrants and Refugees, Bishop Paul McAleenan, has commented on the UK Government’s Illegal Migration Bill. If passed, the Bill will change the law so that those who arrive in the UK seeking asylum will not be able to stay and will instead be detained and promptly removed, either to their home country or a third country which is deemed to be safe. Bishop Paul says:

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“Everyone who makes a dangerous journey across the Channel to build a better life here has a name, a face, and a story.

“People are driven from their homes by poverty, conflict, persecution, natural disasters, or other factors that prevent their flourishing. Many have links to the UK or family members already living here. Yet, far too often, there are no safe routes open to them.

“While we all wish to end dangerous Channel crossings, this new legislation treats migrants and refugees as a problem to be solved rather than brothers and sisters towards whom we have responsibilities. Establishing more safe routes, and genuinely understanding people’s individual circumstances are essential to meeting these.

“As Christians we call for the human person, made in the image and likeness of God, to be put at the heart of public policy.”

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Taking care of refugees and migrants has been a key theme of Pope Francis' pontificate. Writing in his 'Message for World Day of Migrants and Refugees' last year, the Pope said:

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"No one must be excluded. God’s plan is essentially inclusive and gives priority to those living on the existential peripheries. Among them are many migrants and refugees, displaced persons, and victims of trafficking. The Kingdom of God is to be built with them, for without them it would not be the Kingdom that God wants. The inclusion of those most vulnerable is the necessary condition for full citizenship in God’s Kingdom. Indeed, the Lord says, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me a drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, sick and you took care of me, in prison and you visited me' (Mt 25:34-36)".

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The Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales Department for International Affairs has a released a new document about migrants and refugees called "Love the Stranger'. This new publication articulates our Christian duty to look beyond labels and see the person who has left their homeland in search of a better life. Including 24 guiding principles, the publication has been endorsed by the Holy See, COMECE, CAFOD, CSAN and Caritas Social Action Network members. You can read 'Love the Stranger' here.

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Sources: CBCEW and The Vatican