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Texas Attorney General Marked a Hypocrite by Catholic Bishop Over Immigration

Bishop_Mark_J._Seitz

Bishop Seitz asks the Republican to follow the example set by Jesus himself.

El Paso Bishop Mark J. Sietz wrote a column describing Texas attorney general Ken Paxton as a modern-day Pharisee[/tweetit]. This came after Paxton threatened to file a court case against the United States Federal Government in case it did not take any action to phase out a particular program. The scheme in question provides temporary work permits only to those individuals who entered the U.S. when they were children.

Texas Attorney General Marked a Hypocrite by Catholic Bishop Over Immigration[/tweetthis]

The scheme in contention is the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). Former President Barack Obama established the DACA through executive action in 2012. The individuals who get permits via this program are colloquially referred to as DREAMers. The words are an acronym for Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act. It was never made into law.

Attorney General Paxton, in his letter sent to Jeff Sessions, the U.S. Attorney General, informed him about his intentions to challenge such a policy in the courts if the federal government could not take the necessary action to stop a program in stages and also stop the issuance of permits. In his letter to the Secretary of Homeland Security, Paxton requested the phasing out of the DACA program. He wrote the program “unilaterally confers eligibility for work authorization and lawful presence without any statutory authorization from Congress.”

Bishop Seitz severely criticized Paxton for his failing to follow the path of compassion set by God towards people compelled by circumstances of life to carry metaphorically backbreaking loads. He urged U.S. Officials to learn from Jesus' actions who asked leaders to effect "a higher law, that of justice and mercy and faithfulness."

The bishop said Paxton is going haywire with a wide brush on applying the law. He is applying the country's laws without thinking the results it will bring to the individuals who rely on such permits. He pointed out the immigrant community is living in fear. The bishop asked whether we want such a life where children are harmed as well. He said they need somebody to speak for them. Paxton and his office declined to make any comments as a reaction to Seitz's column.

The federal government announced in June it would do away with a few components of DACA. These include expanded ones like Deferred Action for Parents of Americans or DAPA. The original core as laid out by President Obama continues to stand.

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