SEATTLE – Immigration is a complex issue, but Catholics should see those fleeing poverty and war as brothers and sisters, Seattle Auxiliary Bishop Eusebio Elizondo told a gathering at Blessed Sacrament Church Jan. 13.

“Immigration is not an idealistic thing. It has a human face,” said the bishop, who is chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Migration.

He painted a portrait of Syrian refugees and undocumented U.S. immigrants as people acting out of desperation, doing what they can to ensure basic survival.

“Do you think the people want to come here?” the bishop asked. “Not at all. They are in need.”

The world is facing the worst refugee crisis since World War II, Pope Francis told a joint session of Congress in September. At the end of 2015, more than 4.6 million Syrian refugees were registered with the United Nations High Commissioner on Refugees.

During Bishop Elizondo’s talk, part of Year of Mercy events at the Seattle parish, he noted that the United States has agreed to accept 10,000 Syrian refugees over the next year, while tiny Lebanon has already welcomed more than 1 million refugees.

“We need to do way more,” the bishop said. “We have done great things, but by far not enough, and by far not what we’re capable of.”

In the world of sports, he said, “we are so proud in this country that no one competes with us. Hopefully one day we can say that about our charity.”

During a question-and-answer session, Bishop Elizondo said real policy reform is the only thing that could alleviate the crisis. He highlighted three changes that would help: reducing the time to process immigration applications, lowering the cost of applying, and increasing the number of applications accepted.

“We Christians are supposed to be searching deeper and deeper for how to improve the law,” he said.

The bishop’s presentation received positive reviews from some of those in attendance.

“I think it was very challenging and interesting and inspiring,” said Michele Jankanish, a member of Our Lady of the Lake Parish in Seattle. After hearing the bishop speak about undocumented children being detained in Tacoma, she said she is interested in visiting the detention center there.

Although he thought the bishop was an impressive speaker, Blessed Sacrament parishioner David Linz said he has a hard time mixing the rationality of politics with the emotion of faith.

“It’s a complicated issue,” Bishop Elizondo said after the event. “But we have to keep trying.”

Learn more about Catholic social teaching on migration.

Read about Bishop Elizondo's stance on deportation raids.