Statement of Most Reverend Gerald Kicanas, Diocese of Tucson, Bishop Thomas Olmsted, Diocese of Phoenix, Bishop Donald Pelotte, Diocese of Gallup

May 12, 2005

We commend Senator John McCain and Representatives Jim Kolbe and Jeff Flake of Arizona for today introducing the Secure America and Orderly Immigration Act of 2005 in the U.S. Congress.

It is clear that our immigration system is broken and needs repair.   Migrants continue to seek entry into Arizona and other border states to find work and support their families, at great risk to their well-being.   Legislation, like the measure introduced today, which provides legal avenues for migration and legal status would allow migrant workers and their families to migrate in a safe, orderly, and humane manner.

The legislation introduced today represents a comprehensive approach to a complex issue.   It is bipartisan and bicameral in nature and marks a significant and refreshing departure from punitive and restrictive proposals recently introduced in Congress.