The Archbishop of Concepción, Sergio Pérez de Arce sscc, has called for a reconsideration of the debate on irregular migration in Chile, following a letter published this Sunday, November 30, in El Mercurio. In his message, he warned that reducing migration policy to an approach based solely on expulsion or threats overlooks the complexity of the phenomenon and the dignity of the people involved.
Pérez de Arce emphasized that many migrants have lived in the country for years, work, contribute to society, and have formed family ties —including children born in Chile— without being offered any real path to regularize their status. He also stressed that leaving the country is not a safe option due to border closures in neighboring nations and the ongoing crisis in Venezuela. The archbishop stated that a policy centered only on coercion “is not humane, not rational, not evangelical,” and urged the exploration of approaches more aligned with human dignity. He concluded by calling on authorities and presidential candidates to present more responsible and humanitarian proposals, moving away from the logic of punishment.
12/03/2025