The leader of Catholics in England and Wales today called for the rights of illegal immigrant workers in the UK to be "respected" ahead of a rally highlighting the exploitation of migrant labour.Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, the Archbishop of Westminster, said although in "no way" did he want to encourage illegal immigration, he believed "more attention" should be paid to the fair treatment of undocumented migrants in the country.
"We know that there are up to half a million immigrants who are undocumented and therefore, it is my view, and I think the view of many, many others, that some way should be found for these undocumented people who work in our country, who contribute to our economy, that their rights should be respected," he told BBC Radio 4 Today programme.
The Cardinal is to due to concelebrate a multilingual Mass today in Westminster Cathedral in central London for migrant workers, which will be followed by a procession and rally.
The Strangers into Citizens campaign is pressing for a one-off "earned amnesty" for hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants living in the UK.
Under the proposals, "irregular migrants" - refused asylum seekers or visa overstayers - who have been in the country for four years or more - would qualify for a two-year work permit with no access to benefits.
Those qualifying for the work permit would be given indefinite leave to remain at the end of the two-year period - subject to criteria such as an English test, no criminal record and employer and sponsor references.
The campaigners argue that such a scheme would end exploitation of illegal immigrants and the undercutting of British workers.
It would also mean "huge benefits" for the British state through increased tax revenues.
The Cardinal and the Anglican Bishop of Southwark, Dr Tom Butler, are set to address the rally in Trafalgar Square.
Other speakers include Jon Cruddas MP, the Labour deputy leadership contender, and Jack Dromey, deputy general Secretary of the Transport and General Workers Union.
Campaigners estimate that as many as half a million long-term irregular migrants cannot currently earn a living legally.
A recent report by the Von Hugel Institute in Cambridge found that the Catholic Church in the capital is ministering to thousands of illegal immigrants.
However, the rally today appears to put the campaigners on a collision course with the Government.
Earlier this month, Immigration Minister Liam Byrne told The Daily Telegraph: "The bishops and others are calling for an amnesty.
"This would severely damage our country. At the moment local authorities are still coping with the pressure on schools and services but if we had the green light for unprecedented immigration they wouldn't be able to handle it."
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Disclaimer
No responsibility or liability shall attach itself to either myself or to the blogspot ‘Clerical Whispers’ for any or all of the articles placed here.
The placing of an article hereupon does not necessarily imply that I agree or accept the contents of the article as being necessarily factual in theology, dogma or otherwise.
Sotto Voce