"The political season has begun," and some politicians are using the illegal immigration discussion for personal gain, he charged. In some of these attacks, he thinks there is racism and xenophobia.

A "bishops' letter" taking positions on immigration issues says people have a right to migrate when there are just reasons for it, he said. At the same time, the letter points out that countries have a right to protect their borders.

However, he added, these positions are not absolute. A wealthy country like the United States should seek to accommodate immigration as much as possible, according to Bishop Wester. And seeking to survive and care for one's family is a just reason, he believes.

He called for this country to set up a legalization system that would allow an illegal immigrant to become a citizen with the payment of a fine or fees and after working for six or more years.

Commentators have attacked such a program, calling it an amnesty. But Bishop Wester said amnesty is a gift, and a person who pays such penalties as outlined is not getting a gift.

"I would say that we want Americans who are willing to sacrifice for citizenship," he said.

Also, punishment should fit the severity of the law-breaking in terms of the person's intent to harm and the actual harm done. In the case of illegal immigrants seeking to survive and to help their families, there is no intent to hurt Americans and once in this country, they help the economy.

Bishop Wester said the position does not support open borders, but a more humane way to handle immigration for legitimate purposes. If that could happen, Border Patrol agents could focus attention more on drug smuggling and those who would do the country harm, he added.

He does not advocate civil disobedience, Bishop Wester said, but the current immigration laws are unjust.

Bishop Wester asked listeners to write to their U.S. senators to advocate for the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act, the "DREAM Act" under which illegal immigrants who are high school students can attend college or enter the military and have eligibility to become legal.

The Utah Legislature earlier enacted a bill that has similarities to the DREAM Act in that it allows undocumented immigrant college students to pay in-state tuition. However, a bill has been introduced in the Legislature to repeal it.

Another state bill could do away with the driving privilege cards issued to undocumented residents in lieu of driver's licenses so that they can drive legally. He quoted Tony Yapias, director of Proyecto de Latino de Utah, that an audit shows "that undocumented immigrations are doing their best to obey the law" concerning these cards.

Saying that local law enforcement should not be enforcing immigration law, Bishop Wester added, "It is important that our Utah legislators hear from us."

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E-mail: bau@desnews.com