In a rare statement, the bishops framed the immigration crisis in starkly moral terms. “We feel compelled now in this environment to raise our voices in defense of God-given human dignity,” they said.

© Stephanie Scarbrough/Associated Press

Lydia Polgreen speaks to the former New York Times bureau chief Howard W. French about the cost of not engaging with Africa.

For decades, Iranians fleeing persecution have found protection in the United States. But this fall, the Trump administration deported a planeload of people to Iran after making a deal with Tehran.

© The New York Times

Cecilia Muñoz on how to solve America’s biggest political challenge.

Why the future of the G.O.P. will likely be guided by the right’s political DNA.

The round table convenes to discuss what comes after the Democrats’ big wins — and whether the “red hat” coalition can recover.

Readers discuss equal opportunity and immigration as central ideas in the American project. Also: The value of brain research; Democratic momentum.

And why it matters so much to try.

Trump’s immigration tactics violate both the law and human decency.