VATICAN CITY – Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, met with Bishop Mark Seitz of El Paso, Texas, who delivered letters from immigrant families living in fear of deportation amidst an intensified crackdown in the United States. The Pontiff reportedly grew emotional upon receiving the messages and vowed to "stand with" migrants and the Catholic leaders assisting them.

Bishop Seitz, who chairs the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee on Migration, also presented Pope Leo XIV with a video detailing the migrants' plight. The Pope encouraged the bishops' conference to continue speaking out on the issue, emphasising that the Church cannot remain silent in the face of what he termed an "injustice."

Historical and Political Context

Pope Leo XIV's strong stance aligns with previous papal calls for compassion towards migrants. His predecessor, Pope Francis, had also rebuked the Trump administration's plans for mass deportations, highlighting the inherent dignity of all individuals regardless of their legal status. This consistent message from the Vatican underscores the Catholic Church's long-standing advocacy for vulnerable populations, including migrants and refugees, rooted in its social teachings.

In Kenya, the Catholic Church, through the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), has similarly urged the government and international stakeholders to address the root causes of displacement and ensure the protection of migrants and refugees under domestic law, guided by international best practices. Bishop Henry Juma Odonya, Chairman of the KCCB's Department of Refugees, Migrants, and Seafarers, has consistently advocated for compassion and just responses to the plight of these vulnerable groups.

Laws, Policy, and Governance in Kenya

Kenya is a significant migration source, destination, and transit country, hosting one of Africa's largest refugee populations. The country's migration governance is guided by frameworks such as the National Migration Policy Draft, Kenya Vision 2030, the National Labour Migration Policy Draft, and the National Diaspora Policy. Refugees and asylum seekers are protected under the Refugee Act of 2008, and victims of trafficking under the Counter-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2010.

Recently, Kenya has implemented significant immigration reforms. Effective January 1, 2024, Kenya abolished visa requirements for all foreign visitors, replacing them with an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) system. However, all African travellers were later exempted from the eTA requirements to foster seamless intra-African travel and support regional economic growth. The government has also introduced new classes of work permits, including for digital nomads and professionals working for religious or charitable organisations.

Stakeholders and Testimonies

The concerns raised by Bishop Seitz reflect the anxieties of many migrant families in the US, who fear separation and the long-term impact of deportation on their lives. These sentiments resonate globally, including in Kenya, where various organisations, such as Caritas Kenya, the humanitarian arm of the KCCB, work to support migrants and address human trafficking.

Evidence and Data

Risks and Implications

The ongoing immigration crackdowns, as highlighted by Pope Leo XIV, pose significant risks to families, potentially leading to separation and psychological distress. For countries like Kenya, which rely heavily on diaspora remittances, such policies in major source countries like the US could have economic implications. In 2024, Kenyans living abroad sent home a record $4.94 billion (Ksh 640.75 billion), with the US accounting for 51% of these inflows.

Unknowns and Controversies

While Kenya has made strides in its migration policies, the formal adoption of a comprehensive National Migration Policy, drafted in 2017, is still pending. Furthermore, despite efforts to streamline immigration processes, the introduction of the eTA system faced initial "teething issues," leading to accusations of inconveniencing travellers.

Timeline and Next Steps

The Vatican's continued advocacy on migration is expected, with Pope Leo XIV encouraging bishops to maintain their unified voice. In Kenya, the government continues to refine its immigration policies, with ongoing efforts to develop a Labour Migration Management Bill and a National Labour Migration Policy.

What to Watch

Observers will be watching for further statements and actions from the Vatican regarding global migration policies. Domestically, the implementation and review of Kenya's eTA system and the progress of the proposed Labour Migration Management Bill and National Labour Migration Policy will be key areas to monitor. The impact of global immigration trends on Kenya's diaspora remittances, a crucial source of foreign exchange, will also remain a significant economic indicator.