Brenda Martinez, right, puts a puzzle together with her daughters, Luna, 4, and Athenea, 5 months, in her Indianapolis home Jan. 4. Brenda was brought to the U.S. from Mexico at the age of 6 and is currently protected from deportation by the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. (CNS photo/Katie Rutter)
OFFICE FOR SOCIAL MINISTRY
“It is not just about migrants: it is about our humanity. … it is a question of seeing that no one is excluded.” (Pope Francis, message for World Day of Migrants and Refugees 2019)
Pope Francis’ message about migrants is particularly poignant in light of the viral media image of an El Salvadoran father lying dead, face down with his 23-month old daughter in the Rio Grande after a desperate attempt to cross the river into the United States. Our Holy Father expressed “profound sorrow” at seeing the tragic photo of Oscar Alberto Martinez Ramirez and child Valeria wrapped in each other’s arms.
His sentiments were echoed by a statement of the U.S. bishops: “We join with our Holy Father Pope Francis in immense sadness, having seen the horrific image. Who can look on this picture and not see the results of the failures of all of us to find a humane and just solution to the immigration crisis? Sadly, this picture shows the daily plight of our brothers and sisters. All people, regardless of their country of origin or legal status, are made in the image of God and should be treated with dignity and respect. Recent reports of overcrowded and unsanitary conditions are appalling and unacceptable for any person in U.S. custody, but particularly for children, who are uniquely vulnerable. Such conditions cannot be used as tools of deterrence. We can and must remain a country that provides refuge for children and families fleeing violence, persecution, and acute poverty.”
During this time, President Trump announced impending raids by the Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) targeting “illegal immigrants.” ICE is preparing massive enforcement operations in major U.S cities to remove thousands of migrants with deportation orders. This threat is causing widespread fear among migrant families who have found temporary refuge with caring communities, including many Catholic Charities facilities and parishes.
In direct response, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops issued the following statement urging a humanitarian and collaborative approach: “We recognize the right of nations to control their borders in a just and proportionate manner. However, broad enforcement actions instigate panic in our communities and will not serve as an effective deterrent to irregular migration. Instead, we should focus on the root causes in Central America that have compelled so many to leave their homes in search of safety and reform our immigration system with a view toward justice and the common good. During this unsettling time, we offer our prayers and support to our brothers and sisters, regardless of their immigration status, and recognizing their inherent dignity as children of God.”
This focus on the “common good” matches the main message of Pope Francis for the 2019 World Day of Migrants and Refugees: immigration issues are not just about migrants, but about our shared humanity in which no one is excluded. Both the pope and U.S. bishops call for a “compassionate” approach to immigration.
Our Holy Father reminded us that Jesus called us to be compassionate, especially with others in need. “Opening ourselves to others does not lead to impoverishment, but rather enrichment, because it enables us to be more human: to recognize ourselves as participants in a greater collectivity and to understand our life as a gift for others; to see as the goal, not our own interests, but rather the good of humanity.
For more on the U.S. bishops position on migrants and refugees, please visit http://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/immigration/.
The Diocese of Honolulu’s Office for Social Ministry also accompanies migrants in various ways, including supporting legal services through Catholic Charities Hawaii, the Legal Clinic at the United Methodist Church in Honolulu, and the Legal Immigration Clinic at the University of Hawaii and UNITE LOCAL 5 to organize citizenship workshops so migrants can participate fully for the common good of our shared humanity.
For more about the next citizenship workshop at St. Joseph Parish in Waipahu on July 20 and how you can compassionately accompany migrants, please go to www.officeforsocialministry.org.
Mahalo,
Your friends at the Office for Social Ministry
