Catholic groups call for humane treatment of migrants heading for border

As a group from Central America heads for the US-Mexico border, the Trump administration is reportedly preparing to send troops to meet them and Catholic groups are calling for migrants to be treated humanely.

“As Catholic agencies helping poor and vulnerable migrants in the United States and around the world, we are deeply saddened by the violence, injustice and deteriorating economic conditions forcing many to flee their homes in Central America. “said an Oct. 29 statement. statement by the chair of the American Bishops’ Migration Committee and the CEO of Catholic Relief Services and Catholic Charities USA.

“While nations have the right to protect their borders, with that right comes responsibilities: governments must apply laws proportionately, treat everyone humanely and ensure due process,” said the three Catholic leaders. , committee chair, Bishop Joe S. Vasquez of Austin, Texas. , Sean Callahan of CRS and Dominican Sister Donna Markham of Catholic Charities.

The migrant mobilization reportedly formed in mid-October and consisted mainly of Honduran migrants seeking refuge from violence and poverty at home. It appears that, spontaneously, other neighboring countries have joined their ranks as the group heads north, likely seeking asylum in the United States.

“We urge the administration to handle refugee arrivals with humanity and in a manner that respects their dignity and rights under US and international law,” an Oct. 26 statement from the Leadership Conference of Women Religious said.

“These people just want to live with their families without fear. Under international law, they have the right to seek asylum wherever they feel safe, ”the Washington-based Franciscan Action Network said in an October 24 press release expressing solidarity with the group.

The LCWR and the Franciscan Network have both denounced statements implying that the migrant group is made up of people who want to harm the people of the United States, including some of President Donald Trump.

In its statement, the LCWR said it was “deeply troubled” by the President’s “continued denigration of those fleeing untenable situations in their home country.”

“These are mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers who have been driven from their homes by unimaginable violence and insecurity; rampant corruption; and droughts and floods linked to climate change, ”the organization of religious leaders said in its statement. “These are women and girls fleeing intolerable situations of domestic violence. These are young men and women who have no access to quality education and no hope of economic opportunity.

“These are courageous people who have rejected cultures of corruption and exploitation,” they continued. They are walking the same road traveled by our ancestors who fled tyranny and violence in search of the American dream. They are people full of hope and promise who only want the opportunity to contribute their labor and talent to this nation. “

The group said nuns have accompanied such groups in the past and will continue to do so and welcome them.

The Franciscan Action Network also defended the migrant group and called on the general public to “separate fact from fiction”.

“As a nation of immigrants, we should welcome with open arms those fleeing violence and persecution. Those who are part of the migrant caravan are not gang members or terrorists, in fact many have family members in the United States who are citizens, ”the network said. said in his statement. “These people just want to live with their families without fear. According to international law, they have the right to seek asylum wherever they feel safe.

Bishop Vasquez, Callahan and Sister Markham also said in their joint statement that they “affirm that seeking asylum is not a crime” and urged “all governments to respect international and national laws. existing systems that protect those seeking safe refuge and ensure that all those returned to their countries of origin are protected and safely repatriated. “

The three men said they “are a strong advocate for continued US investment to address the underlying causes of violence and lack of opportunity in Central America. Our presence in the Americas has convinced us that migration is a regional problem that requires a comprehensive regional solution ”.

“A coercive-only approach does not address or resolve the root causes that cause people to flee their countries in search of protection,” they said, adding, “As Christians we must heed the call to act. with compassion towards those in need. and to work together to find humane solutions that honor the rule of law and respect the dignity of human life. “

The Hope Border Institute in El Paso, Texas released information on October 26 about the so-called “caravan” group, which it says has between 3,000 and 7,000 people and, of these, around 2,000. are young people and children.

Mobilization has reportedly increased in large part because migrants see safety in numbers and some of them have rushed to join for fear of being assaulted when traveling in small groups on the way north.

Many grassroots Catholic groups joined with other humanitarian organizations to provide food and shelter to migrants en route.

In its information, the Hope Border Institute says the group could arrive at the US-Mexico border “between Thanksgiving and Christmas, or maybe sooner” and that faith groups and other human rights groups are preparing. to help.

News reports indicate that the Trump administration is preparing legal action before this happens, hoping to bar the group from entering, including by issuing an executive order that will deny entry to applicants. asylum.