LEICESTER, United Kingdom – As the Republic of Ireland pledges a tougher stance on migrants, Irish bishops have issued a statement calling on the nation “to welcome migrants in order to support the defense of their inalienable rights.” .

Earlier this year, Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris promised a “stronger immigration system” after a series of protests against asylum seekers across the country.

The Republic of Ireland has a population of around 5.2 million and around 13,000 registered asylum seekers. There are also more than 100,000 Ukrainian refugees in the country.

Last year, a series of anti-immigration protests saw buildings and cars set on fire by demonstrators.

Harris said Ireland needed to rethink its approach to immigration in an interview with News from the sky earlier this year.

“We are now a country where people want to come to live a better life, but we need a fair and firm system,” he said.

“It is true that some people seek to exploit moments of crisis, but it is also necessary for the government to do a better job in terms of listening to and engaging with communities,” the Prime Minister added.

In their letter published this weekend – titled A hundred thousand welcomes? – the Irish bishop said the island’s “tradition of hospitality… faces challenges due to increasing immigration, which has highlighted long-standing societal issues such as housing, -sheltering and gaps in social services”.

“These challenges existed before immigration became a major issue, but some fearful and angry voices are now calling for border closures,” the statement said.

“However, the Irish people, conscious of their own history of migration and their Christian faith, must continue to welcome new arrivals. Many immigrants bring valuable skills and talents, while others seek support for a better future,” the bishops continue.

Church leaders point out that migration has been a central part of Irish history, shaped by events such as war, famine and economic collapse – notably the Great Famine of 1845 to 1852, which saw almost two million people leave Ireland.

However, they also point out that migration has long been a reality for the Irish, with significant exoduses as recently as the 1950s and 1980s – “the legacy of which remains with us today”.

“It is a new experience for Ireland to be a destination for migrants, a clear sign of the country’s economic and social progress,” the statement said.

The bishops also say that historically, Irish migrants have often faced discrimination abroad, notably in England, where Irish immigrants were often a “suspicious community” due to the Troubles in Northern Ireland which did not take root. ended with the Good Friday Agreement of 1998.

Church leaders suggest Irish citizens should keep this in mind as the country sees new arrivals seeking a better life on the island.

“In recent years, Ireland has seen many immigrants seeking a better life, and local parishes, schools and community organizations have played a key role in their integration. The Catholic Church in Ireland has become a space where long-established communities meet and befriend newcomers, fostering diversity – which is a gift and a source of renewal,” the statement said .

Ireland’s Catholic bishops say they strongly encourage a “culture of encounter” that goes beyond mere tolerance of newcomers.

“Such a culture promotes authentic participation and integration. Polite tolerance can leave migrants feeling isolated, but true Christian encounter involves mutual enrichment, where established communities and newcomers share and learn from each other,” the bishops say.

“The teachings of the Church affirm the dignity of each person – including that of the migrant – and remind us that each person has inalienable rights and deserves respect and welcome,” they add.

A hundred thousand welcomes? He admits that immigration to Ireland is currently high, with the most recent year statistics showing 149,200 people came to live in Ireland and 69,900 people left in the same period.

These figures vary widely: Irish citizens returning to live here, people on work visas coming to take on specific roles, EU citizens enjoying freedom of movement and Brits benefiting from the Common Travel Area .

According to the European Union, the number of people found illegally in Ireland in 2023 was 1,485 people.

In their new letter, the Irish bishops say one reason the subject of immigration can be controversial is that differences in the meaning of the term are not always recognized, with the term “immigrant” often referring to someone one who has taken up permanent residence in a country. new country and “migrant” meaning someone who is only based in the new country for a period.

“While these definitions are legally important, we should not allow them to obscure what matters most to Christians: regardless of where a person was born or what passport they carry. possesses: she is our neighbor,” declare Church leaders.

“It’s common to hear people talk about the costs of immigration. But almost one in five workers in the Irish economy are not an “Irish national”. Our economy could not function without people who work in the hospitality, education, health and technology sectors from elsewhere,” the bishops continue.

“Economists describe our economy as ‘at full employment’ and it continues to grow. There is clearly an unavoidable need for migration. No one can but doubt that these newcomers have become essential to the positive functioning of our society,” they add.

The bishops admit that Ireland faces significant challenges, such as homelessness, strained health services and an education system struggling to keep up with demand, but add that these problems are not caused by poverty. migration.

“Migrants can help meet these needs, thereby contributing positively to society. It is important to approach immigration policies in a way that serves the common good, which includes both migrants and citizens. We are fortunate to live in a country with a stable democracy and a vibrant civil society, and we encourage all citizens to participate in this political debate to the fullest of their abilities and convictions,” the statement said.

The bishops conclude their new document by saying that increased migration to Ireland brings both challenges and opportunities for society.

“While the changes ahead remain uncertain, the teachings of the gospel provide timeless guidance for meeting these challenges,” the statement said.

“As we face the current realities of migration, displacement and human trafficking, we must draw on these sources of faith to guide us,” the bishops say.

“May we always welcome and defend migrants. In doing so, we fulfill our common role as a ‘pilgrim migrant people’, continuing the Irish tradition of openness, encounter and hospitality, and bearing witness to the everlasting love of God,” the statement concluded.

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