he arrests of dozens of Iraqi Christians in southeastern Michigan by U.S. immigration officials appear to be among the first roundups of people from Iraq who have long faced deportation.

Policies that involve criminalizing and detaining child migrants "are an insult to human dignity," the Vatican observer to U.N. said.

Migration should be "a choice rather than something forced or involuntary," said Philippine Archbishop Bernardito Auza.

Tens of thousands of Haitians enrolled under the Temporary Protected Status program can stay in the United States until at least January.

Paul Moses reviews "City of Gods: Religious Freedom, Immigration and Pluralism in Flushing, Queens" and "Irish-American Autobiography: The Divided Hearts of Athletes, Priests, Pilgrims, and More."

The bishops' spring assembly will include discussions ranging from immigration to religious freedom, as well as the Synod of Bishops on youth.