Musings on Immigration

Pope Francis’s speech to Congress was a highly anticipated event, but it is one that is unlikely to push members of Congress to take action with respect to Immigration Reform—or with any other temporary measure, like Obama’s Deferred Action for Parents (“DAPA”). During the Pope’s first visit to the U.S. he had the unique opportunity of addressing both chambers of Congress. The Pope spoke of the large number of people coming from Latin America, calling for unity and acceptance. He also spoke of the importance of treating those who are coming to the U.S. with generosity, reminding us that these are people in search of a better life and the importance of living by the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Indeed, it was a very moving—and at times provocative—speech. His words stand at odds with the current political climate, where immigrants, particularly undocumented ones, remain a much controverted political topic. The Pope was only trying to calm an...