Source: The Washington Post

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/05/10/AR2005051000735.html

On May 11, 2005 The Washington Post reported, "U.S. Catholic bishops launched a campaign yesterday to change the country's immigration system, saying they would reach into the pews to build support for proposals that would grant residence to millions of people here illegally. 'Our immigration system is badly broken and needs repair,' said Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick, archbishop of Washington, speaking at a news conference announcing the campaign... McCarrick also said that the U.S. bishops were disturbed by a growing 'anti-immigrant fervor' since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, which he said was expressed in TV and radio shows and in more restrictive immigration laws. 'Before we can change our laws, we must change attitudes, including those of many of our own flock,' he said. Catholics make up about one-quarter of the U.S. population. Officials with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops said the campaign is aimed at the roughly 30 percent of U.S. Catholics who do not have strong opinions about immigration. An additional 25 percent to 30 percent are likely to share the church's views on immigration policy, while the rest are firmly opposed, officials said."