Editorial

My ancestors came primarily from the countries of Ireland and Germany. They traveled across the ocean by ship to the United States as immigrants in the 19th Century seeking a better life.

They were poor but hard-working people. Some became farmers, others worked in the mines around the Mineral Point area. My grandfather on my paternal side carried water in the Grant County area.

Became educated, active in community. For my relatives, the Catholic faith and education were the two most important things in their lives. These two priorities were connected, because many of them attended Catholic schools. They learned English and became active members in their communities. In just one generation, the children of these immigrants did become well-educated. For example, both of my parents graduated from college and became teachers. In turn, their children - my generation - all were college graduates.

Why am I talking about all this? Because I think it puts the issue of immigration reform into perspective. We now have some 12 million undocumented workers living in the United States. They, too, came to this country which prides itself on welcoming the poor and downtrodden.

Foreign workers needed. Most of the immigrants today work in industries that do not attract sufficient U.S. workers. As the Catholic bishops of New Mexico pointed out in a recent statement, "Over 80 percent of agricultural workers are foreign-born, while the majority of laborers in the meat packing and poultry industries are foreign-born. Over one-third of all dish washers, janitors, maids, and cooks are foreign-born."

The U.S. Department of Labor reported that in 2006, 450,000 jobs went to foreign workers. Yet there were only 10,000 worker visas available.

These immigrants are laboring in necessary jobs not being taken by U.S. citizens. We need these workers to keep our economy running smoothly. These immigrants also should be given a chance to learn English, be educated, and become productive members of our society - perhaps eventually to become citizens like my ancestors did.

Immigration reform. We need comprehensive immigration reform in our country. This is a critical time. The U.S. Senate has again taken up the immigration reform bill.

It would be a "real shame" if Congress doesn't seize the opportunity to pass a bill before the August recess, said Bishop Thomas Wenski of Orlando, Fla., in an interview on the program Catholic Radio Weekly airing on Relevant Radio on June 16. Bishop Wenski said the immigration crisis is an issue of "labor supply and labor demand." We should legalize people who are already working here and develop a better system to bring people to our country legally.

The U.S. Catholic bishops' Justice for Immigrants Campaign is also urging the nation's Catholics to pray and lobby for passage of an immigration law. Go to the Web site at www.justiceforimmigrants.org for more information on what you can do to contact your senators and educate yourself on this important issue.

Mary C. Uhler

Mailbag

	Mailbag policy We reserve the right to edit or reject letters. Limit letters to 200 words or less. All letters must be signed. Please include your city or town of residence. Send letters to: Mailbag The Catholic Herald 702 S. High Point Rd. Madison, WI 53719-3522 Fax: 608-821-3071 E-mail: info@madisoncatholicherald.org

There are no letters this week