The Standing Committee of the Panamanian Episcopal Conference (CEP) is concerned by debate about reforms of immigration laws in Panama parked by a bill presented by National Assembly Vice-president   Zulay Gonzales, who has been accused of xenophobia and has generated tension between some sectors of society.

The prelates emphasize that Panama has always kept its arms open to receive people from all over the world.

The Church maintains that migrants are not a threat, they are people who are looking for better living conditions because of forced displacement, human trafficking, violence, poverty, political persecution, and terrorism.