Catholic Groups Call on Bishops of the Americas for Leadership on Migration Reform

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Washington – A group of at least 162 organizations call on Episcopal Conferences in the United States, Central America, and Mexico to “hear the cries of our brothers and sisters on the move and respond with bold leadership.”

In the June 17 letter, signed by groups from Latin America and the United States that work with migrants, they called for a unified response from the Catholic Church in the region, as many are preparing this summer to lobby. in favor of immigration reform before the United States. Congress.

“This summer and fall we have the best opportunity in a generation to move forward on core Catholic migration priorities. We need your pastoral and moral leadership to face this moment, ”the letter said.

“The promise of a new US administration to tackle the root causes of migration, to treat migrants humanely, and to put immigrants who have lived in the US for years, and in many cases decades, on the path of citizenship, “he continued,” is a unique opportunity to alleviate the pain and suffering endured too long. This moment requires a response from the whole church that is regional, united and robust. “

The letter released by the Hope Border Institute in El Paso, Texas, came days after an emergency meeting of bishops from the United States, Mexico and Central America gathered at Mundelein Seminary in Illinois on the 1st and June 2 – with representatives of important Catholic organizations – – seek the collaboration of the church in the region.

The organization helped organize the meeting, which was attended by a contingent of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, including USCCB President Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles.

“We are Catholic organizations from the United States, Mexico and Central America, working to protect migrants and improve lives in the communities they flee,” the letter reads. “This summer and fall we have the best opportunity in a generation to move forward on core Catholic migration priorities. We need your pastoral and moral leadership to face this moment.

The letter called for a human response due to increased migration due to drought, climate change, political instability, poverty and the economic consequences of the pandemic, which could lead to an increase in the number of people from Central America to the United States.

“These realities require a pastoral response to provide a safer haven for people as they travel to the area and await resolution of their cases, and more support to resettle and integrate children and families upon their arrival in their new communities. or on their return home, “the letter said.

“As a church accompanying migrants at every step, we are ideally placed to bridge the gap by planning for the increase in the number of migrants,” he added. “In doing so, we can help public authorities to develop a coherent regional migration system, focused on the protection of people, respect for the right to asylum and providing safe and legal avenues for people to reunite with their families, seek refuge and work. (temporary increase in visas for agricultural work and other essential work).

The letter, referencing some of the upcoming political actions in the US Congress, says it’s important to seek a path to citizenship for those who may not be in the country with permission.

“Many families in our parishes have lived in the United States for a generation without legal status, exposed to exploitation and insecurity,” the letter said. “We must use all available tools to make tangible progress on the long-standing goal of paving the way for citizenship for the 11 million undocumented immigrants.

“Your leadership is essential to counter the demonization of immigrants, reduce the polarization on this issue and advocate morally and concretely to put our parishioners, friends and neighbors on the path to full social inclusion. “

The letter was addressed to the prelates who lead the episcopal conferences in the region, including Gomez of the United States; Cardinal Rogelio Cabrera López of Mexico; Archbishop Gonzalo de Villa Vásquez of Guatemala; Archbishop Ángel Garachana Pérez of Honduras; and Archbishop José Luis Escobar Alas of El Salvador.

The letter also spoke of tackling the causes that force people to migrate, as the United States prepares to spend $ 4 billion over the next five years to tackle the root causes of migration from ‘Central America.

“Local Catholic organizations and their partners (in the region) are working to ensure that these resources reach the people and communities who need them most, in accordance with local priorities and plans,” the letter said.

He urged that there be “coordinated church leadership in the United States, Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala” to provide “much needed momentum to these efforts.”

This would “help us channel resources to local communities that people flee to create economic opportunities, reduce violence and help small farmers adapt to climate change,” the letter said.

“Your leadership is essential in the reorientation of American policy towards Central America, away from low-wage jobs and the extractive industries, towards better jobs, sustainable development and the protection of human rights,” he said. Explain.

The organizations have declared themselves ready to work to “raise the pastoral solidarity and the moral witness of the Catholic Church” which are needed at this time.

“As Saint Oscar Romero reminded us, there are not two categories of people, some born to have it all and others who cannot enjoy the happiness that God has created for all,” the letter said.

“It is Jesus Christ present in the movement of people across borders, especially those fleeing in search of protection and a more dignified life,” the letter concludes. “With the eyes of faith, let us not ignore this divine invitation to greater solidarity and to grow in just and just relationships with one another.”

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