Search
Immigration
-
Immigration resources and ways to take action
-
We have a humanitarian crisis playing out on our southern border, a crisis of long duration. In Texas we're right in the middle of the action. This tragic situation will continue for some time. We cannot, in good conscience, ignore the crisis.
How can we respond to this complicated situation when partisans on both sides make outrageous statements?
We must go to clear thought and civil discourse instead of responding with emotion, ranting, and chanting. We offer a few suggested actions adapted from Fr. Chuck's July 7, 2019 column, the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops, and
Fr. James Martin, S.J. We also offer additional resources and links.
-
-
1. Pray
-
"Pray for enlightenment by the Holy Spirit. Pray for a spirit of wisdom, understanding and courage. Pray that your motivations not be based on fear or prejudice either way, but on the truth and compassion that come from God. Pray for our Bishops, to be forthright and honest, especially for our Bishop, Joe Vasquez, who is the chair of the US Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Migrants and Refugees." - Fr. Chuck
Pray also for the migrants and their families. Pray in your own words or say A Prayer for Immigrant Children, one of the Collected Prayers for Immigrants, or the Pilgrims of Solidarity and To Reach Across Borders prayer by Catholic Relief Services (CRS).
For prayerful reflection, we invite you to read Welcoming the Stranger by Ron Rolheiser, OMI and to meditate on the To Reach Across Borders prayer from CRS. Annunciation House in El Paso also offers scripture readings and a sample prayer service, "Justice for Immigrants."
-
-
2. Be Informed
-
Get informed as a Catholic. Many news outlets want to tell you their version of the truth. But as Catholics, we need to know our stance on immigration issues. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) website, Justice for Immigrants, is a great place to start. Here are some additional resources:-
The Vatican's Migrant and Refugee Office
-
Jesuit Refugee Service/International
-
Jesuit Refugee Service/USA
-
International Catholic Border Initiative
-
Catholic Principles of Migration
-
DACA and the Deportation of Dreamers: A Franciscan Ethical Perspective
Inform yourself with facts. The misinformation about migrants and refugees is often driven by racism and fear. Listen to the stories of migrants and refugees, and encounter them as individuals. The following websites provide factual information on the issues facing people on the move and the Church's work with them:
-
Learn why unauthorized migrants don't come here legally
-
Debunk myths, get answers to tough questions about immigrants, read an explanation of detention policies, and more from the USCCB's Justice for Immigrants website
-
Know the facts about immigrants and their contribution to Texas
-
Learn why families have been separated at the border as well as the cost of separating immigrant families
-
-
-
3. Advocate for immigrants
-
Let your elected officials know that you stand with the US Catholic Bishops on immigration issues. Call your representatives in Congress, your Senators, and the White House and express your opinions and experiences. Urge politicians and lawmakers to do the right thing. Use the quick links on our Advocate Now page to get their contact information. You can also use Catholic Charities USA's form, which provides language urging our representatives to reform our broken immigration system.
Advocate for migrants with family, friends, and publicly. They need advocates. The voiceless need your voices. We cannot let these stories fade away. This human rights crisis needs to remain in the eyes of decision-makers across the country and internationally. You can read and sign the Advocacy Action Alert on Family Separation.
The Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) issued a statement on how to manage refugee arrivals humanely and in a manner that respects their dignity and rights under the US and international law. Share the Journey offers a number of ways to support and advocate for immigrants and refugees.
Also, remember in the next election that these issues matter, and vote. Voting is not only a privilege but an obligation.
-
-
4. Support organizations that are helping immigrants
-
People are in real need. In spite of all the money our government is spending on the detention camps – and it is a lot – there are many unmet n
eeds.
Here are a few organizations and ways to offer support locally:-
Catholic Charities of Central Texas
-
Casa Marianella, a shelter for refugees and asylum seekers
-
Ninas Arriba, educate a girl. Change the world.
-
American Gateways, legal aid to low-income immigrants
-
Raices Texas, legal and social services
Catholic organizations (that are doing great work) to which you can donate and/or volunteer your time are:-
Catholic Charities/USA
-
Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley (directed by Sister Norman Pimentel; St. Austin's has donated to them)
-
Kino Border Initiative (a Jesuit ministry)
-
Catholic Legal Immigration Network (CLINIC), legal help is very important right now, particularly for asylum seekers.
-
The Family Reunification Fund
-
Casa Cornelia Law Center
-
Annunciation House in El Paso (not diocesan-sponsored)
-
Team Brownsville prepares & serves meals to migrants
-
Respite Center, Sacred Heart Parish, Brownsville -- call 956.702.4088
-
Open your home to a refugee youth. The USCCB offers a list of foster parent programs affiliated with them.
-
-
-
5. Take Care of Yourself & Stay Positive
-
-
-
USCCB & Papal Statements on Immigration
-
-
Pope Francis denounces silence in the face of injustice toward migrants (Catholic News Agency, 7/6/18)
-
Pope Francis' messages on World Day of Migrants and Refugees (2013-Present)
-
Pope Benedict XVI's messages on World Migration Days (2005-2012)
-
Strangers No Longer: Together on the Journey of Hope - USCCB, 2003
-
Pope John Paul II's messages on World Migration Days (1978-2005, see especially 1996)
-
-
