YAKIMA, Wash. – Bishop Joseph Tyson of the Diocese of Yakima has expanded on his previous statement criticizing Vice President J.D. Vance’s comments regarding the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and immigration.
In late January, Vice President Vance expressed his views during an interview with CBS, stating, “I think the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has frankly not been a good partner in common sense immigration enforcement that the American people voted for.”
Bishop Tyson, who has served in Yakima since 2011, believes the vice president’s claims are dangerous.
“I think on a deeper level, I’m concerned about the tone and the language and kind of the fear mongering that seems to be, you know, prevalent,” he said.
Vice President Vance also claimed that the USCCB receives over $100 million to resettle illegal immigrants, a claim Bishop Tyson denies.
“Our own Catholic Charities receive no federal money, no money from anyone for working with any type of refugees, legal or illegal. But the Catholic Church itself, the United States receives no money for illegal or not at all,” Tyson stated.
Looking ahead, Bishop Tyson emphasized the need for national changes.
“We need a focus on pathways for legal immigration. I think the pressure on illegal immigration is not going to get less, is going to grow, especially as we see legal pathways shutting down and asylum seekers. There is no line to get out,” he said.
Bishop Tyson also highlighted the high density of immigrants within the Diocese of Yakima and that 10-15% of his clergy have R1 Visas. Additionally, he called for changes in the process for priests to obtain green cards as he claims it currently takes nearly 15 years.
